| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US09277685B2 |
Systems and methods for simulating neon lighting using light emitting diodes
A system for simulating neon light comprising an elongated guide containing outer surface and a channel; a housing containing an engagement member and area for receiving a light engine; and the light engine. The light engine comprising a flexible printed circuit (FPC), a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) attached to the FPC, and a plurality of electrical connectors all in contact with a power conductor. The FPC also includes a gathering of material between each of the plurality of electrical connectors. Also included is a method for reducing the stress within the light engine. |
| US09277680B2 |
Blade computer system
A blade computer system comprises side-by-side computer blades (44, 144), a connectivity module (50, 150, 350) extending across and connected to each of the plurality of side-by-side computer blades (44, 144) along the ends of the computer blades (44, 144) and at least one first power supply-fan unit (46, 146) extending perpendicular to the first axis and directly connected to each of the first plurality of side-by-side computer blades (44, 144) along ends of the plurality of side-by-side computer blades (44, 144) such that the at least one power supply-fan unit (46, 146) draws air across the first plurality of side-by-side computer blades (44, 144) and into the first connectivity module (50, 150, 350). |
| US09277678B2 |
Multi-chip socket
A multi-chip socket including multiple cavities. The multiple cavities include support surfaces. The support surfaces may be disposed at different heights relative to a reference plane. A first thermal interface is to thermally contact a top surface of the first component, and a second thermal interface is to thermally contact a top surface of the second component. |
| US09277676B2 |
Electronic apparatus
According to one embodiment, an electronic apparatus includes a heating component, a housing, and a heat diffusing member. The housing accommodates the heating component and includes a wall. The wall includes a first region configured to receive heat from the component and a second region configured to have a lower temperature than a temperature of the first region. The heat diffusing member is attached to an inner surface of the wall and extends from the first region to the second region. |
| US09277674B2 |
Electrical part fixing structure for hybrid vehicles
A battery charger is disposed above an exhaust pipe, and a junction box is disposed above the charger. The charger includes a cooler having a forced cooling function. |
| US09277671B2 |
Electronic apparatus
According to one embodiment, an electronic apparatus includes a first unit, a second unit, a shaft, a first engaging portion, a moving portion, a second engaging portion, a first magnet, a second magnet, and a metal member. The second engaging portion is movable in a vicinity of the moving portion and configured to restrict a movement of the moving portion when the second engaging portion is engaged with the first engaging portion. The second magnet is configured to act repulsively against the first magnet. The metal member is configured to release engagement between the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion by attracting the second engaging portion when the metal member is inserted between the first magnet and the second magnet. |
| US09277664B2 |
Connector
A connector according to the invention includes: a metal cylinder; a conductive receptacle having an end fitted in an end of the metal cylinder; a pin assembly fitted in the conductive receptacle; pins fixed to the pin assembly, the pins being connected to a cable; a circuit board fixed to the other end of the metal cylinder, the circuit board having through holes electrically connected to the pins; and a sealant disposed between the circuit board and the pin assembly, the sealant infilling gaps between the pins and the through holes of the circuit board. |
| US09277661B2 |
Magnetic latch
Magnetic latch mechanisms are provided. The latch mechanisms may be employed to releasably hold a portable computing device in a closed configuration. The latch mechanism may include first and second magnetic members that may be respectively coupled to the base and lid of the portable computing device. One of the magnetic members may be moveable. Accordingly, when the moveable magnetic member is moved, the position of the magnetic members relative to one another changes, which alters a magnetic interaction therebetween. For example, attractive portions of the magnetic members may be moved away from one another. Additionally, repulsive portions of the magnetic members may be moved into proximity. Thus, opening of the lid of the portable computing device may be facilitated. |
| US09277660B1 |
Screwless joining of an enclosure with pressure sensitive adhesive and removal via pneumatic release mechanisms
This application relates to methods and apparatus for pneumatically separating adhesively joined components. A pneumatic release mechanism can be positioned between the adhesively joined components. The pneumatic release mechanism can be positioned adjacent to or within an adhesive joint so that when it is filled with air the pneumatic release mechanism can exert a force on the joined components sufficient to sever the adhesive bond. In some embodiments, the joined components can be housing components. In other embodiments, the joined components can be a battery cell and a housing component. |
| US09277658B2 |
Electronic controller and method of manufacturing the electronic controller
Provided is an electronic controller which enables an opening direction of a connector to be set along an electronic circuit board. The electronic controller includes first guiding projections (7a) and second guiding projections (7b) formed on a cover (2), and first guiding grooves (8a) to be brought into engagement with the first guiding projections (7a) and second guiding grooves (8b) to be brought into engagement with the second guiding projections (7b), which are formed on pin headers (4). The first guiding projections (7a) and the second guiding projections (7b) move respectively along the first guiding grooves (8a) and the second guiding grooves (8b). As a result, the pin headers (4) turn to be assembled to housings (14). |
| US09277657B2 |
Wiring board
A wiring board includes a core substrate having a number of through-holes, and buildup insulating layers and buildup wiring layers alternately laminated on upper and lower surfaces of the core substrate, in which a first through-hole group is arranged in a first region in the core board at a first arrangement density, the first region being opposed to the semiconductor element connection pad formation region, a second through-hole group is arranged in a second region at a second arrangement density lower than the first arrangement density, the second region being located in an outer peripheral portion of the core substrate and away from the first region, and a third through-hole group is arranged in a third region at a third arrangement density higher than the second arrangement density, the third region being located between the first region and the second region. |
| US09277656B2 |
Method to fabricate a substrate including a material disposed on the edge of one or more non through hole formed in the substrate
Method for producing a substrate comprising at least one getter material arranged on the walls of at least one blind hole, comprising at least the steps of: etching the blind hole through a first face of the substrate, depositing a continuous layer of getter material on the whole of the first face of the substrate and at least on the side walls of the blind hole, etching part of the layer of getter material located on the first face of the substrate such that said first face of the substrate is no longer covered by the getter material, in which the step of etching part of the layer of getter material comprises the implementation of an etching by ion beam machining, or chemical-mechanical planarization or polishing. |
| US09277655B2 |
Combined wiring board and method for manufacturing the same
A combined wiring board includes a wiring board set having multiple wiring boards and one or more adhesive agent portions such that the wiring boards are connected each other by the adhesive agent portion or adhesive agent portions, and a metal frame having an accommodation opening portion formed to accommodate the wiring board set such that the wiring board set is positioned in the accommodation opening portion of the metal frame. |
| US09277653B2 |
Through-hole-vias in multi-layer printed circuit boards
Example multi-layer printed circuit boards (‘PCBs’) are described as well as methods of manufacturing a PCB. Embodiments include depositing upon layers of laminate printed circuit traces and joining the layers of laminate. Embodiments also include drilling at least one via hole through the layers of laminate and placing in the via hole a via conductor comprising a used portion and an unused portion, the via conductor comprising copper coated with a second metal having a conductivity lower than the conductivity of copper. |
| US09277650B2 |
Combined wiring board and method for manufacturing the same
A combined wiring board includes multiple wiring boards, and a connected metal frame having multiple metal frames and one or more connecting portions such that the metal frames are connected each other by the connecting portion or connecting portions and have accommodation opening portions formed to accommodate the wiring boards, respectively. |
| US09277649B2 |
Cross talk reduction for high-speed electrical connectors
An electrical connector includes a printed circuit board that includes a body that carries a plurality of ground conductors that define respective ground contact pads, and a plurality of signal conductors that define respective signal contact pads. The contact pads are configured to mate with electrical contacts of a complementary electrical connector. The printed circuit board includes a ground coupling assembly that electrically connects at least a pair of the ground conductors. |
| US09277648B2 |
Printed wiring board and information processing apparatus
A printed wiring board having a land for surface-mounting of an electronic component, includes the land having a pair of land pieces arranged in an opposing manner, and each of the land pieces including a plurality of land portions having widths different from each other, and a coupling portion partially coupling a boundary portion between a pair of adjacent ones of the land portions. |
| US09277647B2 |
Capacitor element mounting structure and capacitor element mounting method
A circuit board includes a wiring board on which is mounted first and second laminated ceramic capacitors near or adjacent to each other, arranged along a direction parallel or substantially parallel to a main surface of the wiring board, and electrically connected in series or in parallel via a conductive pattern provided on the wiring board. One width direction side surface of the first laminated ceramic capacitor and one length direction end surface of the second laminated ceramic capacitor oppose each other perpendicularly or approximately perpendicularly. |
| US09277646B2 |
Printed wiring board
An object of the present invention is to provide a printed wiring board which does not require arranging signal lines oblique to the warp or weft threads constituting a substrate and is capable of reducing a difference in transmission rates between the signal lines. The present invention relates to a printed wiring board including: an insulating layer; and a signal layer including a set of at least two signal lines and disposed on one side of the insulating layer. A substrate is embedded inside the insulating layer in such a manner to be further from the signal layer than a center of the insulating layer in a thickness direction of the insulating layer is. The insulating layer has a laminated structure of a thick layer, the substrate, and a thin layer. A ratio of a thickness of the thick layer to a thickness of the thin layer is greater than five. |
| US09277642B2 |
Imprinted bi-layer micro-structure method
A method of making an imprinted micro-wire structure includes providing a substrate having an edge area and a central area separate from the edge area and providing first, second, and third different stamps. A curable bottom, connecting layer, and top layer are formed on the substrate. A bottom-layer micro-channel is imprinted in the bottom layer in the central area and the edge area, a connecting-layer micro-channel is imprinted in the connecting layer in the edge area over the bottom-layer micro-channel, an edge micro-channel is imprinted in the top layer in the edge area over the connecting-layer micro-channel, and top-layer micro-channels are imprinted in the top layer over the central area. Micro-wires are formed in each micro-channel. The bottom-layer micro-wire in the central area is electrically connected to the edge micro-wire in the edge area and is electrically isolated from the top-layer micro-wire. |
| US09277640B2 |
Flexible printed circuit board and method for manufacturing same
A flexible printed circuit board includes a flexible printed circuit unit and an electromagnetic shielding structure. The flexible printed circuit unit includes a base layer and a first circuit layer formed on a surface of the base layer. The electromagnetic shielding structure includes a first insulating layer and a copper layer. The first insulating layer is adhered on a surface of the first circuit layer away from the base layer. At least one blind hole is defined in the electromagnetic shielding structure. The copper layer is electrically connected to the first circuit layer by a plating structure filled in the blind hole. |
| US09277639B2 |
Semiconductor circuit board, semiconductor device using the same, and method for manufacturing semiconductor circuit board
The present invention provides a semiconductor circuit board in which a conductor portion is provided on an insulating substrate, wherein a surface roughness of a semiconductor element-mounting section of the conductor portion is 0.3 μm or lower in arithmetic average roughness Ra, 2.5 μm or lower in ten-point average roughness Rzjis, 2.0 μm or smaller in maximum height Rz, and 0.5 μm or lower in arithmetic average waviness Wa. Further, assuming that a thickness of the insulating substrate is t1 and a thickness of the conductor portion is t2, the thickness of t1 and t2 satisfy a relation: 0.1≦t2/t1≦50. Due to above structure, even if an amount of heat generation of the semiconductor element is increased, there can be provided a semiconductor circuit board and a semiconductor device having excellent TCT characteristics. |
| US09277638B2 |
Gum rosin protective coating and methods of use
A rosin composition includes a gum rosin, an emulsifier, and a randomizing additive. The rosin composition may be applied to circuit cards for protection of the circuit card during storage. The rosin composition is solderable and is also easily removed for the soldering of components. |
| US09277637B2 |
Apparatus for plasma treatment and method for plasma treatment
An apparatus for plasma treatment contains a process vessel provided with a mounting table for mounting a substrate, a first gas supplying unit configured to supply a first gas into the process vessel, a first plasma generating unit configured to convert at least a part of the first gas to a first plasma, a second gas supplying unit configured to supply a second gas into the process vessel, and a second plasma generating unit configured to convert at least a part of the second gas to a second plasma. A height of ea an inlet of the second gas from the mounting table is lower than a height of an inlet of the first gas from the mounting table. |
| US09277635B2 |
Method for generating extreme ultraviolet light and device for generating extreme ultraviolet light
An extreme ultraviolet light generation device may comprise: a chamber provided with a through-hole; an introduction optical system configured to introduce the pulse laser beam into a first predetermined region inside the chamber through the through-hole; a target supply device configured to output the target toward the first predetermined region; a light source configured to irradiate a second predetermined region with light whose optical path in the second predetermined region has a transverse section that is longer along a direction perpendicular to a direction of movement of the target than along the direction of movement of the target, the second predetermined region including part of a trajectory of the target between the target supply device and the first predetermined region; and an optical sensor configured to detect light incident on the optical sensor from the second predetermined region to detect the target passing through the second predetermined region. |
| US09277627B2 |
Light-emitting device and camera
To provide a light-emitting device whose amount of light can be adjusted, or the like. The amount of light emitted from the light-emitting device can be adjusted by controlling the magnitude of the constant current pulse by a control signal. Specifically, the light-emitting device includes a constant current supply configured to be supplied with a control signal and a control pulse signal and configured to supply a constant current pulse; a control device configured to supply the control signal; a driver circuit configured to supply the control pulse signal; and a light-emitting panel configured to be supplied with the constant current pulse. The control signal is a signal for controlling the magnitude of the constant current pulse. The light-emitting panel includes a light-emitting element. The current density of the light-emitting element is greater than or equal to 10 mA/cm2 and less than or equal to 1000 mA/cm2. |
| US09277622B2 |
Emission control line driver
Each stage of an emission control line driver includes a first transistor connected to a first node, a first power source, and a first output terminal; a second transistor connected to second node, the first output terminal, and a second power source; a third transistor connected to a second input terminal, a first input terminal, and the first node; a fourth transistor connected to the first node, the first power source, and the second node; a first controller connected to the first to third input terminals to supply sampling signal to a second output terminal; and a second controller connected to the second input terminal and a fourth input terminal to control the voltage of the second node. The first controller includes a fifth transistor connected between the first power source and the second output terminal, and to the second controller or the first output terminal via a protection unit. |
| US09277621B2 |
Light emitting system, light emission control apparatus and control method therefor, communication system and control method therefor and storage medium
A light emitting system in which a light emission control apparatus wirelessly communicates with at least one controlled light emitting apparatus, the controlled light emitting apparatus comprising a first transmission unit which wirelessly transmits charging state information to the light emission control apparatus, and the light emission control apparatus comprising a receiving unit which receives the charging state information from the controlled light emitting apparatus, an informing unit which informs the image capture apparatus that a charging operation is complete, a second transmission unit which transmits a signal to stop transmitting charging state information, and a third transmission unit which transmits a light emission command to the controlled light emitting apparatus. |
| US09277619B2 |
Light emitting layer-forming solid material, organic electroluminescent device and method for producing the same
A light emitting layer-forming solid material including at least one host material and at least one light-emitting material, wherein the light emitting layer-forming solid material is used for forming a white light emitting layer having a single layer structure by an evaporation method. |
| US09277614B2 |
Light engine with LED switching array
An LED array switching apparatus comprises, on a single PCB substrate: a plurality of LED arrays D1 to Dn connected in series, each LED array having a forward voltage; an AC voltage supply coupled to the plurality of LED arrays; and a plurality of constant current sources G1 to Gn, coupled to outputs of LED arrays D1 to Dn, respectively, each of the constant current sources being switchable between a current regulating state and an open state such that as the voltage of the AC voltage supply increases, LED arrays are switched on and lit to form a higher forward voltage LED string, and as the voltage of the AC voltage supply decreases, LED arrays are switched off and removed from the LED string starting with the most recently lit LED array. |
| US09277612B2 |
Switching converter, control circuit and control method thereof, and lighting device and electronic apparatus using the same
A control circuit of a switching converter includes a current detection comparator for comparing a detection voltage corresponding to a voltage drop of a detection resistor with a reference voltage and generating a peak current detection signal asserted when the detection voltage reaches the reference voltage, a driving logic unit for generating a pulse signal indicating a turn-on/off operation of a switching transistor and changing the pulse signal to an OFF level indicating the turn-off operation of the switching transistor when the peak current detection signal is asserted, a driver for driving the switching transistor based on the pulse signal, and a reference voltage setting unit for measuring time (TRECT) for which a current flows through a secondary coil and a switching period (T) of the switching transistor and adjusting the reference voltage (VREF) according to an equation: VREF=K×T/TRECT where K is a coefficient. |
| US09277607B2 |
Lamp using solid state source
A lamp includes a single string of light emitting diodes (LEDs), driven in common, configured to cause the lamp to emit a visible light output via a bulb. The lamp also includes a lighting industry standard lamp base, which has connectors arranged in a standard three-way lamp configuration, for providing electricity from a three-way lamp socket. Circuitry connected to receive electricity from the connectors of the lamp base as standard three-way control setting inputs drives the string of LEDs. The circuitry is configured to detect the standard three-way control setting inputs and to adjust the common drive to the string of LEDs to selectively produce a different visible light outputs of the lamp via the bulb responsive to the three-way control setting inputs. The lamp may also include nanophosphors pumped by emissions of the LEDs, so that the lamp produces a white light output of particularly desirable characteristics. |
| US09277604B2 |
Linear solid-state lighting with ballast free of electric shock hazard
A linear light-emitting diode (LED)-based solid-state lamp using an AC current control scheme and shock protection switches operates normally with an electronic ballast. Due to the use of shock protection switches in the two lamp bases at two opposite ends, the ballast-compatible LED lamp fully protects a person from possible electric shock during initial installation, maintenance, and re-lamping no matter what the rated power and the brand of the LLT lamp are and no matter whether the electronic ballast is existing used ones that may be incompatible with the lamp or faulty, leading to an unacceptable leakage current. |
| US09277603B2 |
Linear solid-state lighting with frequency sensing free of fire and shock hazards
A linear light-emitting diode (LED)-based solid-state universal lamp using a frequency sensing and control mechanism operates normally with both an electronic ballast and the AC mains. The frequency sensing and control mechanism automatically detects voltage types associated with output voltages from the ballast and the AC mains in a single-ended or a double-ended lamp fixture and makes proper management so that the universal lamp works for either case and in either fixture without operational uncertainty. When two shock protection switches are used in two lamp bases, the universal lamp fully protects a person from possible electric shock during initial installation and re-lamping. |
| US09277601B2 |
Operating an appliance based on cooking instructions embedded in an RFID product tag
Method and computer program product for using an RFID antenna of a cooking appliance to read a plurality of cooking instruction sets from a single RFID tag associated with a food product that is positioned to be cooked by the cooking appliance. The cooking appliance selects one of the plurality of cooking instruction sets that the cooking appliance is capable of performing. Furthermore, the cooking appliance may then automatically cook the food product by controlling the cooking appliance according to the selected cooking instruction set. The selection of a cooking instruction set may consider the temperature of the food product or a determination whether the food product is frozen. Alternatively, cooking appliance settings may be interpolated between two cooking instruction sets or calculated on the basis of physical property information about the food product. |
| US09277599B2 |
Spinning pack heating device and melt spinning apparatus
The present invention is one that heats the inside of the spinning pack in a short period of time while keeping temperature of an outer circumferential part of a spinning pack less than a maximum allowable temperature, and provided with: a magnetic path forming member that forms a magnetic path with a spinning pack arrangement space where the spinning pack is arranged to occupy the space and be positioned intermediate respective ends of the magnetic path forming member that border the space; and a magnetic flux generating winding that is provided so as to be wound to surround the spinning pack arrangement space. |
| US09277587B2 |
System and method for providing integrated voice and data services utilizing wired cordless access with unlicensed/unregulated spectrum
Integrated voice and data services are provided that utilize wired cordless access with unlicensed/unregulated connectivity sources. A digital cordless telephone operates over unlicensed/unregulated spectrum in conjunction with one or more wireless access points (WAPs) that are installed in homes, businesses, entertainment venues, and the like. The WAPs are connected to a communications service provider's broadband packet data network. A user may use the device when they are in range of another wireless access point in a public or private building that also is connected to their communications service provider's broadband packet data network. |
| US09277580B2 |
Non-cellular link integration with cellular networks
Improved non-cellular (e.g., Wi-Fi) link integration with a cellular (e.g., LTE) network is described. The improved link integration can relate to utilizing an eNodeB device (e.g., residing in a radio access network portion of a cellular network) as an anchor point rather than a packet data network gateway device (e.g., residing in a core network portion of the cellular network) utilized by other approaches. The improved link integration can maintain full compliance with or support for other approaches, and can reduce signaling overhead, simplify quality-of-service management, and/or provide a more rapid reaction to changes of access, particularly in cases where the eNodeB device and a non-cellular access point device are co-located. |
| US09277577B2 |
Configuration of NFC routers for P2P communication
A method for configuring a first device for a near-field communication with a second device, wherein a peer-to-peer mode is selected if the second device draws the power supply of its circuits from a battery. |
| US09277574B2 |
Secure pairing of networked devices
In one embodiment, a secure communication is initiated between two devices by generating a pairing message from a pre-determined static identification on the first device, transmitting the pairing message to the second device, generating a pairing identification from the static identification, and initiating a secure communication between the first and second device if the pairing message corresponds with the pairing identification. |
| US09277572B1 |
Modification of diameter messages to establish a communication session over a home packet data network gateway
Embodiments disclosed herein provide systems and methods for modifying diameter messages to establish a communication session over a home packet data network gateway (PGW). In a particular embodiment, a method provides receiving, from a wireless communication device, a request to establish a communication session over a communication network, wherein the communication network exchanges messages using a Diameter authentication, authorization, and accounting protocol. in response to receiving the request, the method provides determining a home PGW for the wireless communication device and adding an indication of the home PGW to a Diameter message for establishing the communication session. Based on the indication of the home PGW, the method provides routing the Diameter message to establish the communication session between the wireless communication device and the home PGW. |
| US09277569B2 |
Uplink control in a wireless communication network
A method and system are provided having an uplink control structure for providing channel estimation and data demodulation in a wireless communication network. The uplink control structures enable mobile terminals to communicate with corresponding base stations to perform various functions including obtaining initial system access, submitting a bandwidth request, triggering a continuation of negotiated service, or providing a proposed allocation re-configuration header. A dedicated random access channel is provided to communicatively couple the base station and the mobile terminal so that the mobile terminal can select a random access signaling identification. A resource request is received at the base station to uplink resource information from the mobile terminal and an initial access information request is received from the mobile terminal to configure the base station connection. |
| US09277565B2 |
Bluetooth low energy and LTE coexistence enhancements
Methods for preventing coexistence interference between a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) radio and a collocated LTE radio are provided. In a first solution, the BLE radio adds padding bytes to BLE packets such that the total packet length falls in a specific range to prevent coexistence interference. In a second solution, the BLE radio limits the total BLE packet length to a predefined length to prevent coexistence interference. In a third solution, the data rate for transmitting the BLE packets is higher than a predefined rate to prevent coexistence interference. In a fourth solution, the BLE radio dynamically adjusts the time inter-frame-spacing (T_IFS) value to prevent coexistence interference with the collocated LTE radio. |
| US09277558B2 |
Signaling MIMO allocations
The present invention relates to demodulation of radio signals from a base station having collocated transmit antennas, and more particularly to signaling allocation information from a base station to a mobile terminal. The allocation information may include timeslot and code information of allocation to other mobile terminals. Some embodiments of the present invention facilitate a mobile terminal's ability to receive and demodulate a signal containing multiple interfering signals by communicating codes allocated to other mobile terminals. |
| US09277557B2 |
Radio base station and communication control method
A radio base station (eNB1), when having received an upstream radio signal of a radio frequency band from a radio terminal (UE2), calculates, based on a demodulation reference signal included in the upstream radio signal, and stores reception weights of antennas (108A to 108D). The radio base station (eNB1) further sets, as the transmission weight of each of the antennas (108A to 108D), that one of the stored reception weights of the antennas (108A to 108D) which was calculated during a past given interval and which corresponds to a frequency band that is the nearest to the frequency band of a PDSCH that is a target for setting. |
| US09277556B2 |
Permitting a plurality of transmit antennas to transmit the same data to improve the reception quality through transmit diversity
There are included a plurality of mapping units to which a plurality of data signal sequences related to the same data signal sequence are input via spectra cyclic shift units and which arrange the input data signal sequences on the frequency axis and output the arranged data signal sequences as transmission frequency spectra; an assignment information acquisition unit that controls the plurality of mapping units based on assignment information to cause the data signal sequences arranged on the frequency axis to partially overlap; the spectra cyclic shift units shifting, under control of an amount-of-shift decision unit, the input data signal sequences by an amount of cyclic shift to cause partially overlapping data signals to be identical and outputting the data signal sequences; and a plurality of transmit antennas that send out the transmission frequency spectra output by the plurality of mapping units. |
| US09277553B2 |
Method for transmitting/receiving signal and device therefor
The present invention relates to a wireless communication system. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method comprising: setting a first cell having a first TDD UL-DL configuration and a second cell having a second TDD UL-DL configuration; receiving a PHICH signal in a subframe #(n−L) of the first cell, or receiving a PDCCH signal in a subframe #(n−K) of the first cell; and transmitting a PUSCH signal in a subframe #n of the second cell, corresponding to the PHICH signal or the PDCCH signal, wherein the relationship between the subframes #(n−L), #(n−K), and #n is determined in consideration of a parameter value set in a specific TDD UL-DL configuration, which is the TDD UL-DL configuration having the least number of UL subframes from TDD UL-DL configuration(s), in which subframes set as UL in the first or second cell are all set as ULs. |
| US09277551B2 |
Hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) method and device in a cooperative terminal communication system
A method and device for performing a hybrid automatic repeat request in a wireless access system that supports collaborative transmission. The method includes: receiving, by the first wireless device, an allocation of a secondary carrier from a base station through a primary carrier. The primary carrier is used for data transmission and reception with the base station and the secondary carrier is used for data transmission and reception with a second wireless device. The method also includes: receiving configuration information of the secondary carrier from the base station; transmitting data to the second wireless device on an uplink subframe of the secondary carrier based on the received configuration information; and receiving acknowledgement or non-acknowledgement with respect to the transmitted data on a downlink subframe of the secondary carrier linked with the uplink subframe. |
| US09277545B2 |
Wireless communication system, wireless communication setting method, base station, mobile station, and program
A base station includes a transmitter configured to transmit a downlink controlling formation to a user equipment, the downlink control information being generated based on an uplink allocation information indicating a first frequency block corresponding to a first plurality of subcarriers which are contiguous in frequency and a second frequency block corresponding to a second plurality of subcarriers which are contiguous in frequency, wherein at least a subcarrier, which is not indicated by the uplink allocation information, is located between the first frequency block and the second frequency block; and a receiver configured to receive a reference signal including a reference signal sequence having a sequence length corresponding to a first bandwidth which is a summation of a second bandwidth of the first frequency block and a third bandwidth of the second frequency block. |
| US09277541B2 |
Method and device for transmitting/receiving signal in TDD-based wireless communication system
Provided are a method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving a signal of a user equipment in a time division duplex (TDD)-based carrier aggregation system. The method includes: receiving a downlink grant for at least one subframe of a secondary cell via a subframe of a primary cell; and receiving downlink data in the at least one subframe of the secondary cell on the basis of the downlink grant, wherein the primary cell and the secondary cell are set to different downlink (DL)-uplink (UL) configurations among DL-UL configurations indicating how a downlink subframe and an uplink subframe are configured in a radio frame, and wherein the downlink grant includes a downlink subframe index (DSI) indicating the at least one subframe of the secondary cell. |
| US09277533B2 |
Scalable video coding over simultaneous unicast/multicast LTE DL shared channel
Embodiments contemplate devices and techniques for receiving unicast and multicast transmissions over a downlink (DL) shared channel in parallel, for example an LTE DL shared channel (SCH). For example, one or more hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) entities may be configured to perform retransmissions of the multicast and/or unicast messages. Common and/or dedicated (e.g., separate) HARQ entities may be utilized for retransmission. The multicast downlink shared channels may be activated and/or deactivated on demand. The activation and/or deactivation may be performed using radio resource control (RRC) signaling and/or Medium Access Control (MAC) signaling. The multicast and/or unicast downlink shared channel data may include scalable video coding (SVC) data of varying priority. Embodiments also contemplate the use of simultaneous (e.g. parallel) multicast/unicast for scalable video coding transmission over WiFi/802.11 protocol signals. |
| US09277528B1 |
Configuration of tracking area layers
A method and corresponding system is provided help establish a zone-based paging configuration. In accordance with the method, a RAN entity may evaluate the level of traffic in several small cells of the RAN, identify those small cells that have at least a threshold level of traffic, and responsively construct a new tracking area that includes the identified small cells. In another aspect of the method, a UE that is registered in a current tracking area, may move into coverage of a new sector and receive from a base station associated with the new sector two or more tracking area IDs. The UE may then determine that at least one of the tracking area IDs is indicative of the tracking area in which the UE is currently registered, and responsively operate in the new sector without transmitting a tracking area update message. |
| US09277518B2 |
Synchronization method and apparatus in device-to-device direct communication
A synchronization method by a device is provided in a device-to-device direct communication. The device receives synchronization signals from a plurality of other devices at a current frame, and estimates a synchronization time at a next frame based on the synchronization signals received from the other devices. |
| US09277515B2 |
Precise time tagging of events over an imprecise link
A system for precise timing and synchronization of events is provided. The system includes a first terminal including one or more first counters and a packetizer configured to create a packetized data stream having one or more event tags. The system also includes a second terminal that includes one or more second counters and a depacketizer. The second counter(s) is/are configured to count clock pulses generated by a first clock of the first terminal at a first clock rate. The depacketizer is configured to receive the packetized data stream and detect the event tag(s). When the at least one event tag is detected, the second terminal calculates a time at which the first terminal created the packetized data stream based on a count value of the second counter(s) and a count value of the first counter(s) of the first terminal. |
| US09277508B2 |
Method, control apparatus and communication system for dynamically adjusting transmit power
A method for dynamically adjusting transmit power is disclosed, including: acquiring strength of a signal received by a receiver of a first system; determining whether the acquired strength is less than a sensitivity of the receiver corresponding to strength of a signal currently transmitted by a transmitter, based on correspondence information of strength of signals transmitted by the transmitter and sensitivities of the receiver, and the strength of the currently transmitted signal; if yes, then decreasing the strength of the currently transmitted signal to be equal to or less than the strength of a signal transmitted by the transmitter corresponding to a sensitivity of the receiver being regarded as the strength of the received signal. Corresponding control device and communication system are also provided. The manufacture cost of the device is reduced by the present invention. Meanwhile, better performance can be kept for the receiver. |
| US09277504B2 |
Mobile phone
A main processor of mobile phone changes from power saving state to active state for changing display in response to a sub processor for sensors, the main processor returning to the power saving state after changing the display. The main processor changes from power saving state to active state for storing information from the sub processor, the main processor returning to the power saving state after the storing function. The main processor selects the stored display data on the basis of the information from the sub processor to change display. The main processor receives and stores information from the sub processor in the boot up process or before finishing the operation. The sub processor is in the active state so as to control the sensor even in a case where the main processor is in the power saving state. |
| US09277503B2 |
Dynamic zone routing in a mobile ad hoc network based on maximum available network device battery power
In one embodiment, a wireless network device identifies whether any other detectable network device advertises a higher advertised remaining power than a corresponding remaining power in the wireless network device. The wireless network device advertises as an active node for a zone of a wireless mobile ad hoc network, based on no other detectable network device advertising the higher advertised remaining power. The wireless network device also can advertise another wireless network device as a standby node for the zone, based on the other wireless network device advertising a lower advertised remaining power. |
| US09277499B2 |
Idle mode power consumption reduction in wireless communications
Idle mode power consumption reduction in wireless communications. Within a wireless communication device that is operative to communicate with any one of a number of servicing cells, paging broadcasts from more than one of these servicing cells are received and undergo only a limited amount of processing before being stored for use in subsequent processing that may be performed later. This partitioned processing allows the turning off of certain components that are not needed and/or no longer needed for determining the system frame numbers associated with various servicing cells to effectuate timing synchronization. Certain modules within such a wireless communication device may perform processing using the full capabilities of the wireless communication device to generate initially processed signal, and then after such signals are stored, then only partial processing capability of the wireless communication device may be employed, even though perhaps being slower, to complete the processing. |
| US09277494B2 |
Reducing wireless reconnection time of a computing device
Technologies for reducing connection time to a wireless access point includes recording wireless connection information in a log, computing parameters as a function of past wireless connection information in the log, generating an ordered list of wireless access points most likely to be available for reconnection at a desired time as a function of recent wireless connection information in the log, and directly probing a wireless access point instead of initiating a wireless access point scan. In some embodiments, computing parameters as a function of past wireless connection information in the log comprises performing genetic programming operations to generate prediction programs for later prediction of wireless access points most likely to be available for reconnection at a desired time. |
| US09277491B2 |
Access point, a server and a system for distributing an unlimited number of virtual IEEE 802.11 wireless networks through a heterogeneous infrastructure
There is provided methods, devices and computer program products for distributing a plurality of virtual IEEE 802.11 wireless networks through a heterogeneous infrastructure. A terminal sends a service provider request to an access point. The service provider request is forwarded to a master server which searches for available service providers. Acknowledgement information relating to available service providers capable of operatively connecting the terminal to the data communications network via the access point is sent by the master server to the access point. The access point forwards this information to the terminal. The access point may thus distribute a plurality of virtual IEEE 802.11 wireless networks, their number only constrained by the number of distinct identifiable service providers and the memory of the master server. A data connection may be established in the absence of a direct service agreement between the service provider of the terminal and the operator of the access point. |
| US09277489B2 |
Methods and apparatus for use in facilitating access to aggregator services for mobile communication devices via wireless communication networks
A mobile device performs a scanning operation for identifying a wireless network and receives from the wireless network a hotspot aggregator service identifier which identifies a hotspot aggregator service made available via the wireless network. The mobile device compares the received hotspot aggregator service identifier with one or more hotspot aggregator service identifiers stored in memory. When there is a match between the received and the stored hotspot aggregator service identifiers, the mobile device initiates a connection with the wireless network for receiving the hotspot aggregator service. |
| US09277488B2 |
Method for scanning wireless channels, apparatus and system for using the same
In order to obtain information related to operating channels of access points, the method receives lightweight beacons on a common channel. The method generates a channel scanning list in accordance with the content of the lightweight beacons and sequentially scans all the channels on the list. The method is capable of reducing the scanning time and the data loss rate during the scanning operation. |
| US09277486B2 |
Managing wireless communication settings in a plurality of vehicles
A method of managing short-range wireless communications settings applied at a vehicle includes detecting a plurality of short-range wireless communications settings used by an existing vehicle; storing the plurality of short-range wireless communications settings with a subscriber identity; detecting that a person associated with the subscriber identity has begun using a new vehicle; uploading the plurality of short-range wireless communications settings from the existing vehicle to the new vehicle; and applying the plurality of short-range wireless communications settings associated with the subscriber identity to the new vehicle. |
| US09277485B2 |
Method of transmitting and accessing network service data
A method of transmitting and accessing announcement information identifying available services. Services are provided on the network over a plurality of communication channels, such that each channel is associated with at least one service. At least one of the plurality of communication channels is dedicated as an all-announcement channel, which includes a service announcement for each one of the services available on the plurality of communication channels. Redirection information is also present on the plurality of communication channels and is used to redirect the mobile terminal to the all-announcement channel to obtain information concerning the available services. |
| US09277481B2 |
Wireless communication methods and apparatus supporting different types of wireless communciation approaches
A wireless terminal supports both peer to peer communications and access node based communications. The wireless terminal considers and evaluates communications link alternatives and selects between (i) communication using a peer to peer link and (ii) communications using a link, with a base station serving as an access node, Received signals corresponding to each of the link alternatives are used in performing link quality determinations. In one example, a received user beacon signal from a peer wireless terminal is the received signal used for the peer to peer link evaluation and a: base station beacon signal is the received signal used for the access node link evaluation. A link is selected as a function of quality determination, predicted data throughput, link maintenance energy requirements, and/or least cost routing determination information. |
| US09277479B2 |
Wireless communication system and wireless communication apparatus
A wireless communication system includes first and second wireless communication apparatuses. The first wireless communication apparatus includes a plurality of communication units that perform communication in different frequency bands. The plurality of communication units transmits the same control signal and data in the different frequency bands to keep allocation of communication slots for the second wireless communication apparatus on a plurality of paths. When detecting a communication failure while connecting to and communicating with one communication unit through one path, the second wireless communication apparatus switches to another communication unit and continues the communication through another path. |
| US09277478B2 |
System, method and devices for enabling efficient hybrid route optimization between two mobile endpoints
A network, a method and devices (i.e., mobile node, access router, home agent, destination home agent) are described herein for enabling an efficient hybrid route optimization between two mobile endpoints so they can re-direct their data traffic to an optimal path without exchanging any mobility signaling messages. |
| US09277475B2 |
Mobility parameter adjustment and mobility state estimation in heterogeneous networks
Systems and methods for mobility parameter adjustment and mobility state estimation in heterogeneous networks are provided. The mobility parameters may be adjusted based on the cell change types associated with the mobility procedure. The mobility procedure may be a cell handover procedure or a cell reselection procedure. The cell change type may be dependent on the transmission power level of the UE's serving cell and neighboring cells. In some implementations, the UE may provide a speed information to the serving cell such that the serving eNB may prioritize or optimize the mobility procedure for the UE. The UE may also estimate its mobility state by counting the number of cell changes within certain period of time and applying scaling factors to the number of cell changes based on the associated cell change types. |
| US09277473B2 |
Intelligent IRAT handover requests
Devices and methods for intelligent handover requests and management are disclosed. IRAT handover failure can be prevented by ensuring that user equipment (UE) is asked to handover to a target cell that it has already measured, and that resource allocation in the base station sub-system (BSS) is made in the correct cell. For instance, a radio network controller (RNC) can maintain cell identification and corresponding node information when an updated measurement control message is sent to the UE. According to certain aspects, a relocation cancellation message can be sent from an RNC to a mobile switching center (MSC) if a new measurement report, such as a 3a report, is received by the RNC. |
| US09277464B2 |
Interworking method and device between base stations using gateway in wireless communication system of hierarchical cell structure
A method and an apparatus for interworking between base stations using a GateWay (GW) in a wireless communication system of a hierarchical cell structure are provided. In the method, a message requesting Internet Protocol (IP) information of a target eNB is received from a source eNB. The IP information of the target eNB is obtained. The source eNB is mapped to the target eNB and the mapping is stored. IP information of the GW is transmitted to the source eNB instead of the IP of the target eNB. |
| US09277459B2 |
Method for reporting in wireless communication system and apparatus for supporting same
A method for reporting in a wireless system, according to one embodiment, is provided. The method comprises: receiving a measurement setting from a serving cell, wherein the measurement setting comprises a system information report indicator for indicating a system information report of a cell to which a measurement result is reported; deciding whether a report condition is satisfied based on the measurement setting; and transmitting to the serving cell a measurement report message comprising the measurement result of the cell to which the result is reported, which satisfied the report condition. The measurement report message further comprises system information of the cell to which the report is made. |
| US09277454B2 |
Transmitting method, receiving method, transmitter, and receiver
A transmitter, a receiver, a transmitting method and a receiving method are proposed. the transmitter, adapted for an user equipment (UE) of a data transmission scheme using a contention-based radio access based on single-carrier frequency division multiplexing access with code division multiplexing (SC-FDMA-CDM) includes a memory unit and a processing unit. The memory unit stores a plurality of parameters. The processing unit is coupled to the memory unit, selects one of the parameters and generates a resource pattern by executing a resource pattern generation process according to the selected parameters, wherein the resource pattern includes a physical index of a plurality of resource blocks and a spreading code index. The communication unit is coupled to the processing unit, generates an uplink transmitting signal according to the resource pattern with a plurality of transmitting data bits. |
| US09277449B2 |
Method of load balancing and related communication device
A method of load balancing for a first network in a wireless communication system is disclosed. The method comprises receiving a radio resource control (RRC) connection request message from a mobile device, wherein the RRC message includes a specific cause; and not redirecting the mobile device to a second network according to the CS establishment cause. |
| US09277448B2 |
Method of efficiency improvement for control frames in 802.11ah
Systems and methods are presented that a STA that has not set up a target wake time (TWT) schedule with an AP to use a control frame without incurring the overhead of the Next TWT field in order to determine AP changes or to sync with the AP's time synchronization function without receiving a beacon. In an embodiment, the configuration may include using one bit in a frame control (FC) field of a control frame to indicate a presence of a Next TWT field, such that the Next TWT field is optionally present in the control frame and contains the next target wake time value for an intended recipient of the control frame. |
| US09277446B2 |
Interference mitigating method
Embodiments of the invention concern a method for mitigating interference between near field communication and an audio stream in a mobile user equipment (1), wherein the method includes a step (S5) of replacing at least part of the interfered audio stream by a sound representative of an interfering near field communication transaction. |
| US09277441B2 |
Registering a mobile terminal in a visited network based on a priority class downloaded from a mobile network
When the priority class is set to a mobile terminal that has moved from cell to cell and even if an HLR is in a congestion state, a communication service is provided to the mobile terminal on a priority basis. A location registration signal, which is transmitted from a mobile terminal (2) that has moved from another area, and which is to be transmitted to an HLR (30), is received, and the apparatus corresponding to the movement source area is identified based upon the content of the location registration signal. Priority class information indicating whether the transmission process to the HLR is a priority process or a non-priority process is acquired from the identified another mobile communication control apparatus (200), and whether or not the location registration signal should be transmitted to the HLR (30) is determined based upon the acquired priority class information. |
| US09277437B2 |
Method of handling MBMS MDT in wireless communication system
A method of handling a multimedia broadcast multicast service (MBMS) minimization of driver test (MDT) for a network of a wireless communication system includes transmitting a first MBMS measurement configuration to instruct a first user equipment (UE) to perform an MBMS MDT operation; receiving a first MBMS measurement result and a first multicast-broadcast single frequency network (MBSFN) area identity (ID) which indicates that the first MBMS measurement result is generated for a first MBSFN area identified by the first MBSFN area ID, from the first UE; and processing the first MBMS measurement result according to the first MBSFN area ID. |
| US09277430B2 |
Method and apparatus for enhanced TD-SCDMA to LTE measurement reporting
Aspects of the methods and apparatus include determining that a time-to-trigger (TTT) timer has expired, and determining that a serving radio access technology (RAT) received signal characteristic is less than a signal characteristic threshold when the TTT timer has expired. Further, the aspects include determining, in response to the serving RAT received signal characteristic being less than the signal characteristic threshold, that a target RAT frequency measurement associated with a Measurement Report Message (MRM) for performing an inter-RAT (IRAT) handover cannot be completed within a time limit according to a current measurement gap configuration. Also, the aspects include calculating a measurement gap duration sufficient to complete the target RAT frequency measurement associated with the MRM for performing the IRAT handover, and configuring a new measurement gap prior to the time limit, wherein the new measurement gap comprises the calculated measurement gap duration. |
| US09277427B2 |
Methods and apparatus for limiting communication capabilities in mobile communication devices
A computer-readable medium having computer-readable instructions stored on the computer-readable medium for execution of the computer-readable instructions by a processor to use in a mobile device having a visual display is provided. The instructions comprise monitoring an operating temperature at the device and, when the monitored operating temperature is greater than a first threshold temperature, allowing only emergency communication and providing a visual indication indicating that only emergency communication is allowed. |
| US09277423B2 |
Method and apparatus for transmitting/receiving a reference signal in a wireless communication system
A method and apparatus for transmitting/receiving reference signals in Long Term Evolution (LTE) and LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) systems includes determining whether a dedicated reference signal is detected in a current subframe; estimating, if a dedicated reference signal is detected in the current subframe, a data channel using the dedicated reference signal to receive data; and estimating, if no dedicated reference signal is detected in the current subframe, a data channel using a common reference signal detected in the current subframe to receive data. The transmission scheme uses a DeModulation Reference Signal (DM-RS) for channel response estimation. To secure backward compatibility of the LTE-A system, a Common Reference Signal is transmitted in normal subframes. |
| US09277410B2 |
Method and device for locating network activity in cellular communication networks
A method and a device for optimizing the assignation of network activity of a cellular communications network to land areas in a simple and accurate way. This technique allows representing the activity of a cellular network on a set of tiles in a grid covering a certain land area, instead of representing it associated to antenna cells that might or might not overlap. The activity dispersed and assigned to non-overlapping grid tiles is much simpler and clearer to understand and allows visualizing how the network activity is distributed over the space and how it varies along time allowing therefore an efficient network design and management optimization. |
| US09277399B2 |
Systems and methods for reduced latency when establishing communication with a wireless communication system
Systems and methods reduce latency associated with establishing communication on a wireless network. In one aspect, an access point determines interface identifiers for associated stations. Because the access point can ensure interface identifiers are not duplicated across associated stations, the need for duplicate address detection by the stations is reduced. In another aspect, an access point provides domain name system server network address information to a station. By providing the network address information of the DNS server, the need for the station to perform separate signaling to obtain the information is reduced. In another aspect, an access point transmits a mapping of a first station's network address to the first station's medium access control address to one or more associated stations. This may reduce the need for an associated station to perform address resolution signaling when attempting to communicate with the first station. |
| US09277397B2 |
Efficient subscriber device management using profile identifiers
A system may be configured to receive profile identifiers from a set of user devices; identify, based on the profile identifiers, one or more user devices, of the set of user devices, for which updated parameters should be provided, the parameters relating to operation of the one or more user devices with respect to a telecommunications network; and provide, to the identified one or more user devices, the updated parameters. |
| US09277395B2 |
Method for activating an unlocked, inactive mobile device using a universal integrated circuit card pre-provisioned with a service plan
A service plan is delivered to a mobile phone user without direct user communication with a mobile network operator or providing of personal details. A method comprises packaging a service plan, and at least one of a phone number and data plan, from a mobile network operator; associating the plan and phone number or data plan with a non-provisioned Universal Integrated Circuit Card; cueing service plan loading and activation of the UICC post purchase of the UICC by a user in communication with a provisioner by at least one of 1) product code scanning of the UICC and messages generated thereby; 2) automatic messaging generated by an activation application on the UICC; 3) user directed short messaging; 4) interactive voice responses between user and a provisioner system; 5) network detection software; 6) user interaction with a website; and 7) user entry of a zip code. |
| US09277391B2 |
Pairing method between bluetooth devices and bluetooth system using the same
A pairing method between Bluetooth devices can be applied to a Bluetooth system, a Bluetooth client and a Bluetooth server. The Bluetooth server has an image corresponding to an identifier of the Bluetooth server. A Bluetooth client device captures the image, analyze the image to obtain the identifier, and send out a pairing command having the identifier. The Bluetooth server starts a connected mode with the Bluetooth client according to the pairing command. |
| US09277382B2 |
Emergency service in communication system
The invention relates to an apparatus, method and a computer program product for establishing a request for a session by an application server, determining by an emergency related local service function that the session includes an emergency session, wherein the emergency related local service function is co-located at the application server, and, transmitting the request for the session to an emergency call state control function of the internet protocol multimedia subsystem based on the determination. |
| US09277381B2 |
Methods, systems, and products for security services
Methods, systems, and products notify of alarms in security systems. An alarm condition is detected and an alarm message is sent from an alarm controller. A call is received to a unique network address of the alarm controller to verify the alarm condition. If a calling address matches a predetermined address, then the alarm controller accepts the call. |
| US09277379B2 |
Conditional message forwarding functions
Message forwarding by communication devices is conditionally and/or automatically controlled. A network message management component and/or handset message management component can monitor messages (e.g., short message service (SMS) messages) communicated between user equipment (UE) in a communication network, identify and/or intercept a message for which one or more forwarding conditions have been specified by the message originator, target, or forward target, and conditionally and/or automatically route the message to the target and/or forward target in accordance with predefined message routing rules based at least in part on the conditions specified by the originator, target, or forward target. The predefined message routing rules can be implemented by the network and/or the UEs, and can relate to the UE identifiers, time, priority, cost, operation state, size, desired automatic response messages, or other desired factors, associated with the message. |
| US09277377B2 |
Electronic short messaging and advertising method and device
The invention relates to an electronic short messaging and advertising method where minimal initiative is required from the consumer. Some embodiments of the invention may also be applied to an electronic sales method. The invention may also be applied for normal short messaging. The electronic short messaging method for collect calling may send transmissions to at least one subscriber terminal via the Internet and/or the telephony network. The method may include sending a first transmission to a recipient subscriber terminal for display, wherein the first transmission defines one or more active alternatives including at least one of initiating a collect call and deleting the first transmission. The method may also include calculating costs associated with at least one of the first transmission and the one or more active alternatives. |
| US09277375B2 |
Method and apparatus relating to a mood state of a user
Apparatus configured to: receive an indication of a mood state of a user of the apparatus; determine and record one or more items of context information associated with the apparatus at the time the indication is received; receive an instruction to recreate a previously indicated mood state; and in response to the instruction, use one or more of the items of context information associated with the apparatus at the time of the previously indicated mood state to replicate one or more actions associated with the one or more of the items of context information. |
| US09277374B2 |
Delivering wireless information associating to a facility
Systems, methods, and apparatus may perform operations related to delivering wireless information associating to a facility. A message is received from a first mobile device with at least a portion of the message including information associated with a physical location. Based on the message, a facility based on the physical location is identified. The message may be associated with the facility. An indication is received that a second mobile device is proximate to the facility and engaged in a message browsing mode. Based on receiving the indication, the message may be presented to the second mobile device. |
| US09277372B2 |
File scheduling in BM-SC
The present disclosure relates to a technique for scheduling a point-to-multipoint (PTM) transmission of content data, provided by a content provider node, to a plurality of mobile terminals in a PTM-enabled network. A method embodiment comprises the steps of: receiving, by a PTM transmission control node, delivery schedule information from the content provider node, the delivery schedule information indicating a delivery time at which at least a portion of the content data is to be receivable by the plurality of mobile terminals; and determining, by the PTM transmission control node, a transmission start time for starting the transmission of the content data to one or more of the plurality of mobile terminals located in a service area of the PTM transmission control node, wherein the transmission start time is determined based on the delivery time and one or more system delay parameters. |
| US09277368B2 |
Method and apparatus for determining whether or not a mobile device is indoors
The disclosure is directed to determining whether or not a mobile device is indoors. The mobile device obtains a position fix based, at least in part, on an outdoor positioning system, and obtains one or more shape-files for one or more objects that are in proximity of the position fix. |
| US09277366B2 |
Systems and methods to determine a position within a physical location visited by a user of a wireless device using Bluetooth® transmitters configured to transmit identification numbers and transmitter identification data
In general, the invention relates to methods and systems that record the location of a user and determine the corresponding physical named location (e.g. business location) visited by the user. A network includes a server programmed with a database of location information, a database of user information, payment account information, and a wireless communication system capable of communicating with the user's mobile device. The location of the mobile device is ascertained and recorded. The system determines the physical named location (e.g. business location) visited by the user. Bluetooth, wireless transceivers are placed throughout the business location. The mobile device connects to the wireless transceivers with the best signal (e.g., the closest one), or is scanned by a wireless scanner, and the user's location in the store is determined. Targeted content based upon the location of the user in the store is sent to the user. |
| US09277365B1 |
Notification related to predicted future geographic location of mobile device
Systems and methods for receiving a notification related to a predicted future geographic location of a mobile device are provided. In some aspects, a plurality of geographic locations of the mobile device are determined. A speed for the mobile device is determined based on at least a subset of the plurality of geographic locations and associated timestamps. A future geographic location of the mobile device is predicted based on the speed and at least one geographic location from among the plurality of geographic locations. A representation of the predicted future geographic location of the mobile device is provided to a server. In response to the provided representation of the predicted future geographic location of the mobile device, a notification related to a point of interest associated with the predicted future geographic location of the mobile device is received from the server. |
| US09277360B2 |
Situation sensitive information push
A method involves an MNO receiving data from a mobile device representing a current situation of a user of the device. The MNO stores data characterizing products and services represented in a solution knowledgebase. The MNO stores data characterizing the user in a user knowledgebase. An inference engine analyzes the data in order to determine if the data corresponds to an actionable event relevant to the user. If so, a search of information relevant to the event and the mobile device data at least in the solution knowledgebase is conducted and the results are pushed to the mobile device. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract. |
| US09277359B2 |
Visualization of network members based on location and direction
Methods, devices and systems enable efficient organizations of group communications on a mobile device. The mobile device may be configured to receive location information from other mobile devices in a communication system, determine the current location and orientation of the mobile device, determine directions and distances from the mobile device to each of the other mobile devices, and generate a first-person perspective and/or top-down perspective display showing relative locations of the other mobile devices. Other multiple mobile devices may be represented in the display as images (e.g., icons, avatars, directional indicators, etc.). The display may provide a user interface to enable a user to quickly organize other mobile devices into groups and initiate group communications with some of the other mobile devices. The mobile device may be configured to group the displayed images into one or more communication units and establish communication links with mobile devices in the communication units. |
| US09277353B2 |
Methods and systems for locating peripheral devices
A system and method for locating peripheral devices by determining a current location of a computing device, searching for peripheral devices based on the current location of the computing device, displaying an indication of the peripheral devices based on the current location of the computing device, receiving a selected peripheral device of the peripheral devices, and transmitting information to the selected peripheral device. |
| US09277352B1 |
Mobile distributed memory systems
Data may be managed by a mobile data management system. The system may receive data intended for a web service system location at a first location from an external source located at a second location. In some aspects, the data may be received via an application programming interface. The system may also cause storage of the received data in at least one memory while the system is at the second location. The system may further provide the received data to the web service system while at the first location. |
| US09277348B2 |
Mobile peer-to-peer content sharing method and system
Embodiment of the disclosure set forth methods for sharing data in a wireless network. Some example methods include storing in a database a content related information associated with a first mobile device, receiving a request for the content related information from a second mobile device, searching the database for the content related information, and transmitting a search result to the second mobile device to enable the transfer of content between the first mobile device and the second mobile device. |
| US09277347B2 |
System and method for enabling radio operations on a wireless computing device
Embodiments of the invention provide for a wireless computing device that comprises a set of one or more radio components to transmit and receive wireless communications on the device. Additionally, the wireless computing device includes processing and memory resources that individually or in combination provide multiple wireless applications, a radio object, and an arbitration component. The multiple wireless applications are each capable of generating a user-interface for enabling user-input in connection with wireless activities performed with that wireless application. The radio object interfaces the multiple applications with the set of one or more radio components. The arbitration component is configured to arbitrate at least one of (i) requests made by each of the wireless applications to the radio object for access to one or more of the radio components in the set, or (ii) responses from the radio object to requests made by each of the wireless applications. |
| US09277338B2 |
Audio control system and electronic device using same
An audio control system installed on an electronic device includes a switch switching between a first mode and a second mode, a switching module, a microphone, a microphone control module, a speaker, a speaker control module, a signal radiating module, and a signal receiving module. When the switch is switched to the first mode, the switching module controls the microphone control module to transmit audio data of microphone to the signal radiating module to radiate the audio data via a wireless network. When the switch is switched to the second mode, the switching module controls the microphone control module to transmit the audio data of microphone to the speaker to make sound via the speaker control module. |
| US09277335B2 |
Eardrum implantable devices for hearing systems and methods
An implantable device is configured for placement in the eardrum to transmit an audio signal to a user. The device may be configured to improve transmission of an electromagnetic signal from an input assembly on a lateral side of an eardrum to an output assembly positioned on a medial side of the eardrum, for example, at least partially in the middle ear of the user. The output assembly may comprise a transducer or at least two electrodes configured to stimulate the cochlea, for example. The device may include an opening to transmit the light signal or an optic to transmit the light signal. Alternatively, the device may be configured to support a transducer of the output assembly with the eardrum when the device is implanted in the eardrum, such that the eardrum vibrates in response to the electromagnetic signal. The electromagnetic signal may include light energy. |
| US09277334B1 |
Wearable computing device authentication using bone conduction
A wearable computing device is authenticated using bone conduction. When a user wears the device, a bone conduction speaker and a bone conduction microphone on the device contact the user's head at positions proximate the user's skull. A calibration process is performed by transmitting a signal from the speaker through the skull and receiving a calibration signal at the microphone. An authentication process is subsequently performed by transmitting another signal from the speaker through the skull and an authentication signal is received at the microphone. In the event that frequency response characteristics of the authentication signal match the frequency response characteristics of the calibration signal, the user is authenticated and the device is enabled for user interaction without requiring the user to input any additional data. |
| US09277332B2 |
Hearing apparatus including coil operable in different operation modes
A hearing apparatus includes a coil and a coil operation mode selector configured to select either a first coil operation mode for communicating with a wireless communication terminal, or a second coil operation mode for wirelessly charging a battery of the hearing apparatus. |
| US09277330B2 |
Optical pin-point microphone
A system and method for directional sound sensing directs an optical sensing beam to an object of interest having a rough surface that vibrates acoustically. The light is reflected thereby and scattered as a speckle pattern that includes multiple speckles having a random distribution of phase offsets. A detector array having multiple detector elements receives and detects the speckle pattern and produces signals that are linearly proportional to phase modulation of the speckles. A summer receives signals from at least two of the detector elements that are offset at different phases and sums the received signals to generate a non-vanishing signal representative of an acoustic signal. |
| US09277327B2 |
Acoustic generator, acoustic generating device, and electronic device
An acoustic generator includes a vibrating body. The acoustic generator includes a frame member attached by a bonding material to an external peripheral portion of the vibrating body. The acoustic generator has an exciter provided on the vibrating body inside of the frame member. In this case, the acoustic generator further includes an extended portion of the bonding material provided to be extended on the vibrating body inside of the frame from the frame member. |
| US09277325B2 |
Inner magnetic transducer with multiple magnetic gaps and multiple coils and preparation method thereof
An inner magnetic transducer with multiple magnetic gaps and multiple coils, and a preparation method thereof. The inner magnetic transducer with multiple magnetic gaps and multiple coils includes a non-magnetic material frame and a non-magnetic material bearer frame. The inner magnetic transducer with multiple magnetic gaps and multiple coils includes two or more coaxial annular magnetic gaps with the same diameter value, two suits of symmetric magnetic paths, and a symmetric coil. In the transducer, enwinding direction, connection mode and parameters of coils are decided, in order to ensure that the value of the inductance of coils and the opposing electromotive force obtained during the process of moving to and fro are counteracted by each other. The inner magnetic transducer with multiple magnetic gaps and multiple coils has resistance load character or approximately has a resistance load character, simultaneously, has high sensitivity, high analytic capability, and high fidelity. |
| US09277324B2 |
Three part membrane speaker
A speaker assembly membrane including a sound radiating surface (SRS) having a first material; a substantially planar SRS ring positioned concentrically outward from the SRS and having a second material; and a suspension member positioned concentrically outward from the SRS ring and having a third material. The second material is stiffer than the first material and the third material to locally stiffen an area surrounding the SRS and improve a breaking mode frequency of the membrane. In another embodiment, the speaker assembly membrane may include a diaphragm having a first material density; a substantially planar stiffening ring extending radially outward from an outer edge of the diaphragm and having a second material density; and a suspension member extending radially outward from an outer edge of the stiffening ring and having a third material density. The second material density is greater than the first material density and the third material density. |
| US09277321B2 |
Device discovery and constellation selection
There is described discovery of a plurality of audio devices, and for the discovered audio devices are determined relative positions thereof and distances therebetween. The determined relative positions and distances are used to select a constellation of audio devices from the discovered plurality. This constellation is selected for playing or recording of a multi-channel audio file so as to present an audio effect such as a spatial audio effect. Channels for the multi-channel audio file are allocated to different audio devices of the selected constellation, which are controlled to synchronously play back or record their respectively allocated channel or channels of the multi-channel audio file. In a specific embodiment the determined distances are used to automatically select the constellation and include distance between each pair of audio devices of the plurality. Several embodiments are presented for determining the distances and relative positions. |
| US09277320B1 |
Managing and using headset profiles for different headsets
A user device prompts a user to provide button input to use for causing the user device or an application on a user device to perform a function. The user device associates the button input with the function and store the association in a headset profile. When the button input is later received from the headset, the user device accesses the headset profile and identifies the function associated with the button input. The user device performs the identified function. |
| US09277319B2 |
Data transmitting apparatus, data receiving apparatus, data transceiving system, data transmitting method, and data receiving method
A data transmitting apparatus is disclosed. The data transmitting apparatus includes a block generator which generates an Extended Display Identification Data (EDID) block regarding multi-channel audio data; and a transmitter which transmits the EDID block to a data receiving apparatus, wherein the EDID block includes at least one of a first sub block representing 3D audio characteristics of the multi-channel audio data, a second sub block representing 3D speaker placement information of the multi-channel audio data, and a third sub block representing multi-stream audio characteristics of the multi-channel audio data. |
| US09277315B2 |
Pop-up noise suppression in audio
Systems and methods for suppressing pop-up noise in an audio signal are disclosed. The system includes a driver circuit shared by a pin interface and a complementary pin interface. A control unit is coupled to the pin interface and the complementary pin interface. To activate the pin interface, the control unit is configured to first activate the driver output at the complementary pin interface. Once the complementary pin interface achieves a preset voltage, the driver output is switched to the pin interface by the control unit. In addition, the driver circuit can be calibrated for a DC offset on the complementary pin interface by re-using calibration data calculated at the pin interface. Further, DC correction signals can be provided from a pre-biasing circuit based on the calibration data of the driver circuit. |
| US09277298B2 |
Battery managing apparatus, battery pack, and energy storage system
An energy storage system having a number of trays with each tray having a number of battery cells in which power is controllably stored and discharged. A first Battery Management System (BMS) is electrically coupled to a tray contained in a rack of trays. A second BMS is electrically coupled to and controls the first BMS. The first BMS includes a control unit electrically coupled to and controlling the battery cells. It further includes a switch unit electrically coupled to the control unit and selectively applying driving power according to a control signal from the second BMS. |
| US09277296B2 |
Keyboard video device
This invention relates to a device for displaying information concerning a part such as a chair or keyboard tray having articulating components as well as a method of displaying information on the use of the components of a chair or keyboard tray. In particular this invention relates to a device for displaying video information concerning a part such as a chair or keyboard tray having articulating components as well as a method of displaying video information on the use of the components of a chair or keyboard tray. |
| US09277293B2 |
Interactive advertisment offering method and system based on a viewed television advertisment
In interactive advertisement offering method and system, a server wirelessly receives from a user terminal an input signal, which is associated with a target TV advertisement viewed by a user of the user terminal. Upon identifying one TV advertisement to be the target TV advertisement based on the input signal, the server determines one of pre-stored Internet advertisements as a reference advertisement based on key terms representative of the target TV advertisement, and then transmits to the user terminal a reference advertisement menu generated thereby along with pre-stored Internet advertisement content corresponding to the reference advertisement for display of the reference advertisement menu on the user terminal. |
| US09277292B2 |
System, method and device for providing a mobile application across smartphone platforms to enable consumer connectivity and control of media
A system, method and device for providing a mobile application across smart phone platforms to enable consumer connectivity and control of media. The viewing experience of the individual is improved by the added control and the advertising experience is enhanced by ensuring advertisements are relevant and actionable. A system for providing interactivity between a mobile device and content includes a content provider providing content for presentation on a display device and a mobile device configured with a media management module communicating to provide user interactivity with the content. The media management module enables individualized consumer media services for the mobile device. |
| US09277291B2 |
Controlling access to program usage data
A television program ratings method and system includes transferring information associated with households from a cable provider to a ratings provider such that the ratings provider has access to information associated with sampled households and lacks access to information associated with non-sampled households. To this end, identity information and usage information associated with the households are respectively anonymized and encrypted. Knowledge of the identities of the sampled households enables the anonymized identity information and the encrypted usage information for the sampled households to be respectively de-anonymized and decrypted. The ratings provider knows which households are sampled households. As such, the ratings provider de-anonymizes and decrypts the information associated with the sampled households and then uses the de-anonymized and decrypted information to determine television program ratings. The cable provider anonymizes and encrypts the information for all households as the cable provider does not know which households are sampled households. |
| US09277287B2 |
Methods and apparatus to generate relevance rankings for use by a program selector of a media presentation system
Example methods and apparatus to generate relevance rankings for use by a program selector of a media presentation system are disclosed. An example method comprises tabulating a plurality of occurrence counts for respective ones of a plurality of terms of a program guide, each of the occurrence counts indicating a corresponding number of times each of the terms appears in the program guide, computing a plurality of relevance ranking scores for respective ones of a plurality of programs listed in the program guide based on the plurality of occurrence counts, selecting a list of programs from the program guide based on the relevance ranking scores, and outputting the list of programs |
| US09277286B2 |
Information descriptor and extended information descriptor data structures for digital television signals
According to an aspect, there is provided a digital television (DTV) data stream including program and system information protocol (PSIP) data associated with content of the DTV data stream, the PSIP data including a virtual channel table (VCT) and an event information table (EIT), the EIT comprising: a source identification field identifying a source of an associated event in a DTV data stream; an event identification field indicating an identification of the event; a start time field indicating a star time of the event; a title field indicating a title of the event; and a descriptor comprising: a descriptor tag identifying the descriptor as a genre descriptor; a descriptor length indicating a total length of the descriptor; and at least one category code for an associated event in a DTV data stream, each category code specifying genre, program type, or category information of the associated event, wherein the at least one category code specifies at least one of a set of basic categories. |
| US09277284B2 |
System and method for a household mosaic viewer
A method of monitoring video streams currently being displayed at a customer premises of an Internet Protocol television network. A plurality of Internet Protocol television video streams each currently being displayed by a respective one of a plurality of set-top box devices located at a customer premises and a universal resource locator being accessed at the customer premises are identified. The plurality of Internet Protocol television video streams currently being displayed by the respective set-top box devices are displayed together with the universal resource locator on a display device. |
| US09277283B2 |
Content synchronization apparatus and method
A content synchronization apparatus is provided. The content synchronization apparatus includes a communication unit configured to communicate with a device that the content synchronization apparatus can synchronize content with, a control unit configured to, in response to a synchronization command to share current content being played by the device being received, share the current content by acquiring the current content and state information corresponding to the current content through the communication unit, synchronize the current content with the device using the current content and the state information, and configure a display screen based on the results of the synchronization of the current content with the device, and an output unit configured to display the configured display screen. |
| US09277281B2 |
Apparatus, system and method for providing information on objects included in content
An apparatus for providing object-in-content information that includes a central control unit which creates and provides basic content information, receives the object-in-content information and provides the object-in-content information in a user-viewable format. The apparatus also features an object information interface unit which transmits a message containing the basic content information provided by the central control unit to an object-in-content information managing device, receives a message containing object-in-content information corresponding to the basic content information from the object-in-content information managing device, and transmits the object-in-content information contained in the received message to the central control unit. |
| US09277276B1 |
Systems and methods for active training of broadcast personalization and audience measurement systems using a presence band
An audience measurement or personalized recommendation system may be actively trained for each panel member for a training period, during which the presence of each member is recorded while content is displayed. Panel members may carry or wear portable devices with wireless transmitters which may be detected by the measurement system. For example, each panel member may wear a wristband including a wireless transmitter broadcasting an identification code, and a measurement device may include a wireless receiver to receive broadcast identification codes and determine that the corresponding one or more panel members are present during display of content. An inference engine may create personalized profiles of each panel participant during the training period. After the training period, panel participants may stop carrying or wearing the devices, and the inference engine may determine, based on the profiles, which participants are likely present when content is being viewed. |
| US09277274B2 |
Method and apparatus for forwarding television channel video image snapshots to an auxiliary display device
A method of processing television content metadata in a communications system. The system includes a consumer device (e.g., a set-top box and/or television) in communication with an auxiliary display device (e.g., webpad). A broadcast television channel video image signal and the metadata are received by the consumer device. A single video image frame of the broadcast television channel video image signal is captured when a predefined indicator is detected in the metadata. The metadata is modified by changing the predefined indicator to an image identifier associated with the single video image frame. The single video image frame is converted to a well-known format, and the consumer device sends the modified metadata and the converted single video image frame to the auxiliary display device for display thereon. |
| US09277272B2 |
Content providing system, receiving apparatus and method, storage medium, and program for content reception by short range communication enabled devices
The present invention relates to a content providing system, a receiving apparatus and method, a storage medium, and a program, which enable to perform a variety of contents provisions. An operational terminal 21 can obtain, from a storage terminal 1, contents corresponding to utilization information sent from an operational terminal 11 that is receiving provision of predetermined contents from a storage terminal 1. That is, if a user 23 is interested in contents that a user 13 is watching and listening to on the operational terminal 11, and desires to watch and listen to it, the user 23 can watch and listen to on the operational terminal 21, the contents that the user 13 is watching and listening to, by holding the operational terminal 21 very close to the operational terminal 11, or holding the operational terminal 11 very close to the operational terminal 21. |
| US09277271B2 |
Wireless network antenna apparatus and method
An antenna for broadcast television programming includes a tuner and demodulator located with the antenna to generate a demodulated television program stream. A network interface is connected to the tuner and demodulator to provide the television program stream to a network, preferably a wireless network. A television set located remotely from the antenna receives the television program stream via the network and displays the program. A portable control device may be connected to the network. Reception of the broadcast programming is improved by controlling the directionality of the antenna in response to the demodulated signal. A service provider may poll the wireless network antenna to determine which broadcast programs are received and may provide extended programming television programs to the user by an internet connection to the user's network. |
| US09277268B2 |
Noise reduction apparatus with isolation transformers in an internet protocol television system
A residential gateway includes an Internet Protocol television (IPTV) network communication port and a first isolation transformer circuit. The IPTV network communication port is configured to receive a signal from an ITPV network. The first isolation transformer circuit is in communication with the IPTV network communication port. The isolation transformer is configured to receive the signal from the IPTV network communication port, and to transform a ground of the signal to float at a ground potential of a power source of the residential gateway. |
| US09277266B2 |
Apparatus and methods for network video recording
Apparatus and methods for the capture and delivery of content over a network. In one embodiment, the network comprises a cable television network, and the apparatus comprises a local server which stores, processes and assembles content prior to its delivery to a VOD server, thus obviating the need for superfluous VOD storage. This approach also facilitates various pre-streaming processing in a video recording (e.g., nPVR) system, and gives a network operator dynamic control over local playlists. In another embodiment, the local server of the improved system obviates the need for a VOD server in the nPVR system. One or more content libraries adapted to facilitate nPVR content access across one or more regions of a broadcast network are also disclosed. Secondary content (e.g., promotions, advertisements, etc.) can also be selectively inserted into nPVR content. Various access, business or operational rules and methods implementing the foregoing are also described. |
| US09277265B2 |
Methods and apparatus to calculate video-on-demand and dynamically inserted advertisement viewing probability
Methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture are disclosed to calculate video-on-demand viewing probability. Example methods disclosed herein include identifying a first set of households associated with a target set of categories that presented a first media having a first telecast delay, calculating first total tuning minutes and first total exposure minutes for the first set of households, identifying a second set of households that presented the first media having the first telecast delay and having a portion of the target set of categories, the second set of households having second total tuning minutes and second total exposure minutes for each category in the second set of households, calculating a household tuning proportion based on the first and second total tuning minutes, and calculating a household exposure proportion based on the first and second total exposure minutes, and calculating the panelist viewing probability associated with the first telecast delay based on a ratio of the household exposure proportion and the household tuning proportion. |
| US09277252B2 |
Method and apparatus for adaptive streaming based on plurality of elements for determining quality of content
A method and apparatus are provided for performing adaptive streaming according to a streaming environment based on information about a plurality of elements for determining qualities of a plurality of media data with respect to the same content. |
| US09277248B1 |
System, method, and computer program for receiving device instructions from one user to be overlaid on an image or video of the device for another user
A system, method, and computer program product are provided for receiving device instructions from one user to be overlaid on an image or video of the device for another user. In use, at least one of an image and video of a device is received from a first user via a network. Additionally, at least one instruction for the device is received from a second user, in response to the receipt of the at least one of the image and video of the device. Furthermore, the at least one instruction is provided to the first user for display as an overlay to the at least one of the image and video of the device. |
| US09277245B2 |
Methods and apparatus for constrained transforms for video coding and decoding having transform selection
Methods and apparatus are provided for constrained transforms for video coding and decoding having transform selection. An apparatus includes a video encoder for encoding at least a block in a picture by selecting a particular transform from at least a first transform and a second transform that is different than the first transform, and applying the particular transform to a residue of the block. Transform coefficients for the second transform are selected responsive to a deblocking filter that is present in the video encoder. |
| US09277244B2 |
Decoding a video signal using intra-prediction mode information
A method and apparatus for decoding a video signal are disclosed. A method for decoding a video signal includes obtaining block type information of a current block, confirming a prediction mode of the current block based on the block type information, obtaining, if the prediction mode of the current block is an intra prediction mode according to the prediction mode, at least one correlation parameter information using at least one neighboring pixel of the current block, obtaining an intra prediction value of the current block using the correlation parameter information, and reconstructing the current block using the intra prediction value of the current block. |
| US09277240B2 |
Method of coding and decoding images, coding and decoding device and computer programs corresponding thereto
A method for encoding an image having been cut up into partitions. The method includes: predicting data of a current partition based on an already encoded and then decoded reference partition, generating a predicted partition; determining residual data by comparing data relating to the current partition with the predicted partition, the residual data associated with various digital data items. Prior producing a signal containing the encoded information, performing the following steps: determining, from the predetermined residual data, a subset containing residual data capable of being modified; calculating the value of a function representative of the residual data; comparing the calculated value with a value of at least one of the digital data items; based on the comparison, modification or non-modification of at least one of the residual data items of the subset; and, in the event of a modification, entropy encoding the at least one modified residual data item. |
| US09277239B2 |
Method and apparatus for encoding video based on scanning order of hierarchical data units, and method and apparatus for decoding video based on scanning order of hierarchical data units
A video decoding method and apparatus and a video encoding method and apparatus based on a scanning order of hierarchical data units are provided. The decoding method includes: receiving and parsing a bitstream of an encoded video; extracting from the bitstream information about a size of a maximum coding unit for decoding a picture of the encoded video, and encoding information about a coded depth and an encoding mode for coding units of the picture, wherein the size of the maximum coding unit is a maximum size of a coding unit which is a data unit for decoding the picture; and determining a hierarchical structure of the maximum coding unit and the coding units into which the picture is divided according to depths, and decoding the picture based on the coding units, by using the information about the size of the maximum coding unit and the encoding information about the coded depth and the encoded mode. |
| US09277238B2 |
Moving image encoding and decoding system
A moving image encoding and decoding system reduces compressed moving picture data amounts by producing a prediction signal suitable for moving pictures including dynamic textures. The system includes a moving picture encoding device 1 that includes a block divider 102 receiving a target pixel signal, a prediction signal generator 103 producing a prediction signal, a subtractor 105 producing a differential signal, and a transformer 106 and quantizer 107 producing an encoded differential signal. The encoding device 1 also includes an inverse quantizer 108 and inverse transformer 109 producing a decoded differential signal, an adder 110 producing a reproduction signal, a frame memory 104 storing the reproduction signal as a reference image, and a reference image generator 113. The reference image generator 113 may obtain an observation matrix C by using a pre-existing reference image. The encoding system 1 produces a new reference image y″t+5 based on the observation matrix C and a state vector xt+5, and stores the new reference image in the frame memory 104. The prediction signal generator 103 produces the prediction signal by using at least the new reference image y″t+5. |
| US09277236B2 |
Motion vector derivation method, moving picture coding method and moving picture decoding method
A motion vector derivation unit includes a comparison unit for comparing a parameter TR1 for a reference vector with a predetermined value to determine whether it exceeds the predetermined value or not; a switching unit for switching selection between the maximum value of a pre-stored parameter TR and the parameter TR1 according to the comparison result by the comparison unit; a multiplier parameter table (for multipliers); and a multiplier parameter table (for divisors) for associating the parameter TR1 with a value approximate to the inverse value (1/TR1) of this parameter TR1. |
| US09277234B1 |
Common copy compression
Embodiments of the present invention provide systems, methods, and computer storage media directed to hosting a plurality of copies of a digital content. A common component and one or more individual components from one or more copies of the digital content are generated. As such, the common component and the one or more individual components are stored, such that each individual component in conjunction with the common component represents a separate copy of the digital content. In some implementations, a compression ratio may be customized for determining the sizing of the common component and individual component. |
| US09277231B2 |
Picture coding apparatus, picture coding program, picture decoding apparatus, and picture decoding program
A temporary prediction mode determining unit temporarily determines a prediction mode used to code a coding target pixel, based on a relation between the decoded value of a locally decoded pixel neighboring at least one line above the coding target pixel and the decoded values of locally decoded pixels surrounding the neighboring pixel, and then sets a temporary prediction mode index. A final prediction mode determining unit finally determines a prediction mode used to code the coding target pixel, based on the temporary prediction mode index of the coding target pixel and the relation between the decoded value of a locally decoded pixel located at least to the left of the coding target pixel and the decoded values of locally decoded pixels surrounding the pixel located to the left. |
| US09277230B2 |
Display mode-based video encoding in wireless display devices
This disclosure relates to techniques for performing display mode based video encoding to reduce power consumption in a source device of a Wireless Display (WD) system. More specifically, the techniques enable the source device to select an encoding process based on whether the video data to be encoded is in a static display mode or a dynamic display mode. For example, when the video data is in the static display mode, the source device selects a static encoding process that reduces an amount of video data processing and compression, which in turn reduces power consumption at the source device. When the video data is in the dynamic mode, the source device may select a conventional dynamic encoding process. The source device encodes the video data according to the selected encoding process, and transmits the encoded video data to one or more sink devices in the WD system for display. |
| US09277227B2 |
Methods and apparatus for DC intra prediction mode for video encoding and decoding
Methods and apparatus are provided for DC intra prediction mode for video encoding and decoding. An apparatus includes a video encoder for encoding image data for at least a portion of an input picture by deriving a direct current prediction value from a pre-determined constant and using the derived direct current prediction value for a direct current intra prediction mode. The portion is encoded using the direct current intra prediction mode. |
| US09277225B2 |
Image decoding device and method thereof using inter-coded predictive encoding code
An image encoding device and corresponding decoding device are disclosed for achieving a high rate of compression. The encoding device includes an image conversion module that converts the direction of the images using right-left symmetry mode convention or up-down symmetry mode conversion. Encoding modules are used to encode both the unconverted and converted images. A mode selector module compares the quantity of codes in the encoded unconverted images and the quantity of codes in the encoded converted images, and selects codes that are smaller in the quantity of codes for output. |
| US09277223B2 |
Eliminating plaintext video from external memory
In an embodiment, an integrated circuit comprises a decrypt unit configured to decrypt an encrypted, compressed video stream; an on-chip buffer; and a decompressor coupled to the decrypt unit and the on-chip buffer. The decompressor is configured decompress the video stream, and to store a first portion of each of a first plurality of frames decompressed from the video stream in the on-chip buffer. The decompressor is further configured to store a remaining portion of each of the first plurality of frames in an external memory, wherein each frame as stored in the external memory is incomplete because the first portion is not stored in the external memory. |
| US09277222B2 |
Unified fractional search and motion compensation architecture across multiple video standards
Methods and systems for performing at least one of video encoding and video decoding are disclosed. In one implementation, the system includes a controller configured to determine a video standard associated with a portion of the video data, each portion of the video data associated with one of a plurality of video standards. The controller is further configured to provide a set of the filter parameters which are associated with a video standard to be used for at least one of the video encoding and decoding and at least one filter configured to filter at least one reference pixel received from the reference pixel memory based, at least in part, on the provided set of filter parameters. |
| US09277218B2 |
Video processor with lossy and lossless frame buffer compression and methods for use therewith
A video processing device includes a video processing unit that decodes a video input signal into a decoded video signal in accordance with a video compression protocol, based on uncompressed video frame data. A data object compression/decompression module generates compressed video frame data for storage in a compressed video frame buffer by compressing a plurality of video data objects into a plurality of compressed video data objects, wherein a first subset of the plurality of video data objects are compressed via lossless compression and a second subset of the plurality of video data objects are compressed via lossy compression. |
| US09277213B2 |
Video encoding device
Provided is a video encoding device having an AFF-mode-determining unit (140) for determining the AFF mode when an input image is an interlaced image, and a video encoding unit (110) for encoding the input image depending on a result of the mode determination obtained from the AFF-mode-determining unit (140). The AFF-mode-determining unit (140) makes a determination combining: a mode determination result based on each of a texture value when an image is treated as a field and a frame, or based on an equivalent object; and a mode determination result based on the ease of predicting a motion vector in both encodings estimated with reference to a previously obtained movement vector, or based on the cost. |
| US09277211B2 |
Binarization scheme for intra prediction residuals and improved intra prediction in lossless coding in HEVC
A method including adaptively updating a value of an Exponential-Golomb (EG) parameter according to a value of an encoded prediction residual value, and encoding a prediction residual value in a lossless mode using an EG code based on the value of the EG parameter. |
| US09277200B2 |
Disabling inter-view prediction for reference picture list in video coding
A video coder signals, in a bitstream, a syntax element that indicates whether inter-view/layer reference pictures are ever included in a reference picture list for a current view component/layer representation. A video decoder obtains, from the bitstream, the syntax element that indicates whether inter-view/layer reference pictures are ever included in a reference picture list for a current view component/layer representation. The video decoder decodes the current view component/layer representation. |
| US09277198B2 |
Systems and methods for media personalization using templates
Systems and methods for generating edited media. In an embodiment, one or more media assets are received. A theme template comprising one or more entries is retrieved, and the entries are populated with the received media assets to generate one or more composite media products. The media assets may comprise both static and dynamic media assets from multiple data sources. For instance, the dynamic media assets may be user-supplied, whereas the static media assets are retrieved from a structured database and remain the same for a given theme template. |
| US09277197B2 |
Recording apparatus, recording method, and recording system
A recording apparatus of moving image data generates first moving image data and second moving image data having less number of pixels than the first moving image data, outputs the generated moving image data by using a plurality of output channels which conform with a predetermined format, determines the number of the second moving image data to be generated on the basis of an output state of the moving image data which is output by using the output channels in the case where the first moving image data is output in accordance with the predetermined format, and generates the second moving image data of the determined number in parallel with the outputting of the first moving image data. |
| US09277195B2 |
Pixel array with clear and color pixels exhibiting improved blooming performance
This disclosure provides pixel arrays made up of a clear pixel and a color pixel. The color pixel includes a first photo-detecting element and a color pixel access transistor to selectively couple the first photo-detecting element to a first charge-storage node. The clear pixel includes a second photo-detecting element and a clear pixel access transistor to selectively couple the second photo-detecting element to a second charge-storage node. The color pixel access transistor transfers a first charge per unit time between the first photo-detecting element and the first charge-storage node. The clear pixel access transistor transfers a second charge per unit time between the clear pixel access transistor and the second charge-storage node. The first charge per unit time is less than the second charge per unit time to mitigate blooming. In other embodiments, the clear pixel includes an excess-charge transfer path that couples the clear pixel to a DC supply node to mitigate blooming. |
| US09277194B2 |
Method and apparatus for image and video coding using hierarchical sample adaptive band offset
A method and apparatus for image coding using hierarchical sample adaptive band offset. The method includes decoding a signal of a portion of an image, determining a band offset type and offset of a portion of the image, utilizing the band offset type and offset to determine a sub-band, and reconstructing a pixel value according to the determined offset value. |
| US09277192B2 |
Monitoring system of real time image control for radiopharmaceutical automatic synthesizing apparatus in a micro hot cell
The present invention relates to a system of real time micro hot cell image control for radiopharmaceutical automatic synthesizing apparatus including at least one CCD camera, a plurality of radioactivity detector, a logic control device, a computer interface control device. The plurality of radioactivity detector are connected to the logic control device, and the logic control device sends a corresponding location code to the computer interface control device when the detected radioactivity value is greater than the threshold value for selecting a nearest CCD camera and sending the taken image of the location to the computer interface control device for monitoring whether the automatic production line of radiopharmaceuticals is kept in normal operation. |
| US09277190B2 |
Endoscope apparatus
An endoscope apparatus includes a light source device, an image pickup device, and an observation monitor. The video processor applies, on the basis of a difference between a first image signal having a peak wavelength of a spectral characteristic and a second image signal having a peak wavelength of the spectral characteristic that a value in the absorption characteristic is lower than the value in the absorption characteristic of the first image signal and a scattering characteristic of the living tissue is suppressed more than the scattering characteristic of the first image signal between a wavelength band including a maximum value and a wavelength band at a minimum value in an absorption characteristic of a living tissue, processing for enhancing the first image signal and generates an enhanced and corrected image signal. |
| US09277187B2 |
Monitoring system, image-processing apparatus, management apparatus, event detecting method, and program
A monitoring system includes a plurality of image-capturing apparatuses each including an event detector that executes on a corresponding captured image at least one of a plurality of processing algorithms for detection of a monitor event, and a transmission controller that outputs to a network only a processing result of the executed processing algorithm when a monitor event is not detected and that outputs to the network at least the captured image when a monitor event is detected; and a management apparatus managing the plurality of image-capturing apparatuses via the network and including an event determination unit that determines occurrence of a monitor event in accordance with the received processing result and a record controller that records the received captured image. |
| US09277186B2 |
Generating a wafer inspection process using bit failures and virtual inspection
Methods and systems for generating a wafer inspection process are provided. One method includes storing output of detector(s) of an inspection system during scanning of a wafer regardless of whether the output corresponds to defects detected on the wafer and separating physical locations on the wafer that correspond to bit failures detected by testing of the wafer into a first portion of the physical locations at which the defects were not detected and a second portion of the physical locations at which the defects were detected. In addition, the method includes applying defect detection method(s) to the stored output corresponding to the first portion of the physical locations to detect defects at the first portion of the physical locations and generating a wafer inspection process based on the defects detected by the defect detection method(s) at the first portion of the physical locations. |
| US09277181B2 |
Media service presentation method and communication system and related device
A media service presentation method, communication system and related device are provided, in which the media service presentation method comprises: obtaining the media presentation information; presenting media services to a user according to the service presentation information. By obtaining the media service presentation information, the media services are presented to the user according to the service presentation information. In this way, the scene SVG-based description is not necessarily needed, which in turn simplifies the terminal's computing process, improving the terminal's performance, and improving user experience. |
| US09277175B2 |
Mobile telephone set having video-phone function low in amount of heat generation
A temperature of a mobile telephone set is detected, and when the temperature exceeds a predetermined first threshold, a video signal encoding unit (21) is changed from the predetermined normal encoding rate to a reduced encoding rate, which is lower than the predetermined normal encoding rate. |
| US09277170B2 |
Apparatus for transceiving point to point moving signal reception high channel using horizontal blanking interval and method for executing the apparatus
Provided are a method and apparatus for transceiving an asymmetric point-to-point moving signal and securing an uplink channel using a horizontal blanking interval (HBI) in which a video signal transceiving apparatus can combine a plurality of HBIs and a plurality of active lines (ALs) into a single section, and when auxiliary data exists in a corresponding HBI, can change an order of the HBI to the last and transmit map information including arrangement information to a video signal display apparatus, and the video signal display apparatus can receive the map information and analyze the received map information to thereby acquire an uplink channel using HBI excluding auxiliary data and transmit control signal data via the acquired uplink channel. |
| US09277168B2 |
Subframe level latency de-interlacing method and apparatus
A new motion adaptive deinterlacing method and apparatus detects motion corresponding to a pixel to be interpolated. The method and apparatus generates a subframe level motion map based on at least a portion of a current field and at least a portion of a plurality of previous fields. Based on the generated subframe level motion map, the apparatus and method generates a plurality of motion vectors associated with the subframe level motion map by applying a plurality of motion masks, associated with the pixel to be interpolated, to the subframe level motion map. The apparatus and method further generates deinterlaced content by adaptively interpolating the pixel to be interpolated for the current field based on the plurality of motion vectors produced by applying a plurality of motion masks to the subframe level motion map. |
| US09277167B2 |
Compensation de-interlacing image processing apparatus and associated method
A motion compensation de-interlacing image processing apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a motion compensation module, a still compensation module, a motion detection module, and a de-interlacing blending module. The motion compensation module generates a motion compensation pixel according to at least one of a current field, a previous field, and a next field of a target pixel to be interpolated. The still compensation module generates a still compensation pixel according to the previous field and the next field of the target pixel. The motion detection module determines a motion index according to the previous field and the next field of the target pixel. The de-interlacing blending module generates the target pixel by weighted averaging the motion compensation pixel and the still compensation pixel according to the motion index. |
| US09277162B2 |
Keystone correction method and apparatus of curved display
A keystone correction apparatus and method of curved display are provided. The apparatus includes a curved screen that displays an image and a projector that has an infrared lighting device to irradiate infrared light to the curved screen. An infrared imaging device is configured to capture infrared light reflected from the curved screen. A controller is configured to determine whether the curved screen is distorted using an infrared image captured by the infrared imaging device and perform a keystone correction. |
| US09277161B1 |
Channel scanning
Methods, systems, and apparatus can provide channel scanning. In various examples, a channel scanning module can instruct scanning of multiple channels within a wideband frequency range by assigning channels to demodulators to attempt to lock onto a signal at the assigned channel. In other examples, a channel scanning module can instruct scanning for downstream channels by assigning channels to multiple narrowband tuners and multiple demodulators to attempt to lock onto a signal on the assigned channel. |
| US09277154B2 |
Image taking device and camera system
An image sensor includes a plurality of pixels, a plurality of sense circuits, and a count circuit. Each sense circuit is configured to read out electrical signals from at least one pixel associated with the sense circuit in order to generate data representing whether or not photons have been received by the sense circuit. The count circuit is in communication with a sense circuit selected from the plurality of sense circuits. The count circuit is configured to provide integration results for the pixels associated with the sense circuits based on the data received from the sense circuits. |
| US09277151B2 |
Solid-state image sensor with an effective pixel area, and image pickup apparatus
A solid-state image sensor including an effective pixel area in which a plurality of pixels are two-dimensionally arranged, each of the plurality of pixels comprising a photoelectric conversion portion configured to generate charges by photoelectric conversion, a charge holding portion configured to hold the charges generated by the photoelectric conversion portion, a floating diffusion portion configured to convert the charges from the charge holding portion into a voltage, a first transfer portion configured to transfer the charges of the photoelectric conversion portion to the charge holding portion, and a second transfer portion configured to transfer the charges of the charge holding portion to the floating diffusion portion, wherein the charge holding portion of each of the plurality of pixels is arranged on the inner side of the photoelectric conversion portion with respect to the center of the effective pixel area. |
| US09277147B2 |
Multimode pixel readout for enhanced dynamic range
An image sensor having image sensor pixels operable in multiple gain modes is provided. An image sensor pixel may include a photodiode, a charge transfer transistor, a reset transistor, a source follower (SF) transistor, a row select transistor, and a capacitor that is directly connected across the gate terminal and a selected source-drain terminal of the SF transistor. The SF transistor and the row select transistor may be selectively coupled to a power supply line and a column output line by asserting either a first control signal or a second control signal. The first control signal is asserted to place the pixel in a low conversion gain mode, whereas the second control signal is asserted to place the pixel in a high conversion gain mode. The charge transfer transistor may always be activated during the low conversion gain mode and may be selectively activated during the high conversion gain mode. |
| US09277144B2 |
System and method for estimating an ambient light condition using an image sensor and field-of-view compensation
A system and method for estimating an ambient light condition is using an image sensor of a digital camera. An array of pixels is obtained using the image sensor. A matrix of grid elements is defined. Each grid element comprises multiple adjacent pixels of the array of pixels. A first measurement value is generated for a grid element of the matrix of grid elements based on the pixels associated with the grid element. A set of grid elements are identified having a first measurement value that satisfies a brightness criteria. A second measurement is generated using the identified set of grid elements. A simulated-light-sensor array is generated using the second measurement value. An estimate of the ambient light condition is calculated using the simulated-light-sensor array. |
| US09277140B2 |
Display hub for classrooms
An audio and video control device is disclosed. In some embodiments, the audio and video control device may include one or more of a first Wi-Fi transceiver; a second Wi-Fi transceiver; a Bluetooth® transceiver; a microphone input; an HDMI input; a video output; an audio output; an IR output; an Ethernet connection; a paging input; and/or a controller. The controller may be configured to receive a video signal from at least one of the first Wi-Fi transceiver, the second Wi-Fi transceiver, and the HDMI input; output at least a portion of the video signal through the video output; output at least a portion of an audio portion of the video signal through the audio output; receive audio data from the microphone input; and/or output the audio data through the audio output. |
| US09277139B2 |
Generating modulation patterns for the acquisition of multiscale information in received signals
A methodology for acquiring measurements of a signal at one or more scales of resolution, including: generating modulation patterns based on a predefined measurement matrix; modulating a received signal with the modulation patterns using the signal modulating array to obtain a modulated signal; and acquiring measurements of intensity of the modulated signal. Each modulation pattern is generated by: (a) selecting a corresponding row of the measurement matrix; (b) reordering elements of the selected row according to a permutation to obtain a reordered row; and (c) transferring the reordered row to the signal modulating array so that elements of the reordered row are mapped onto the signal modulating array. The permutation is defined so that a subset of the modulation patterns are coarse patterns that respect a partition of the signal modulating array into an array of superpixels, each superpixel including a respective group of the signal modulating elements. |
| US09277138B1 |
Image detection assembly and method for use in determining transient effects
An image detection assembly includes a light source that is configured to generate at least one pulsed light beam. A modulator is configured to direct the pulsed light beam onto a device via a plurality of light patterns such that a plurality of electrical signals are generated by the device. Each electrical signal corresponds to a different light pattern. A signal processing apparatus is coupled to the device and the signal processing apparatus is configured to receive the electrical signals and to digitize each electrical signal to record a plurality of signal vectors such that each signal vector corresponds to a different electrical signal. The signal processing apparatus is also configured to generate at least one image output based, at least in part, on the recorded signal vectors and the light patterns such that the image output enables a determination of at least one transient effect on the device. |
| US09277135B2 |
Image-pickup apparatus, control method for the same, and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium
An image-pickup apparatus includes an exposure condition calculator configured to calculate an exposure condition of an image sensor determined by accumulation time of the image sensor, an amplification amount and an aperture value of an image signal, and an image generator configured to generate a high dynamic range image. When the plurality of exposure conditions have equal exposure differences, the exposure condition calculator changes the accumulation time so as to follow a change of the object brightness from a first value to a second value, and the exposure condition calculator calculates the plurality of exposure conditions by fixing the accumulation time and by changing the amplification amount so as to follow a change of the object brightness from a third value smaller than the first value to a fourth value smaller than the second value. |
| US09277134B2 |
Image pickup apparatus and image pickup method
Provided is an image pickup apparatus including an image pickup device, an AE control section, an image pickup control section that makes the image pickup device perform shooting, an EVF for image observation by looking thereinto, and an electronic display section, the electronic display section and the EVF alternatively displaying an image, wherein in exposure control, the AE control section sets a first exposure condition that is the same as an exposure condition for capturing image data for recording when the image is displayed on the electronic display section, and sets a second exposure condition that is different from the first exposure condition when the image is displayed on the EVF. |
| US09277131B2 |
Image stabilization apparatus, optical apparatus, and image capturing apparatus
An image stabilization apparatus is provided that includes a fixed back-plate 101, a movable barrel 103 that holds a correction lens 102 and is movably supported by the fixed back-plate 101 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, a first rotary body 104 that is rotatably supported by the fixed back-plate 101 and moves the movable barrel 103 in a first direction depending on rotation thereof, and a first drive motor 106 that drives the first rotary body 104. The center axis of the first rotary body 104 is arranged within the optical path of an image capturing optical system. |
| US09277130B2 |
Apparatus and methods for stabilization and vibration reduction
The present invention provides an apparatus for stabilizing an imaging device and methods of using the same for a wide variety of applications including photography, video, and filming. Also provided are unmanned vehicles including aerial vehicles that contain the apparatus disclosed herein. |
| US09277129B2 |
Robust image feature based video stabilization and smoothing
A method of removing unwanted camera motion from a video sequence is provided. The method matches a group of feature points between each pair of consecutive video frames in the video sequence. The method calculates the motion of each matched feature point between the corresponding pair of consecutive video frames. The method calculates a set of historical metrics for each feature point. The method, for each pair of consecutive video frames, identifies a homography that defines a dominant motion between the pair of consecutive frames. The homography is identified by performing a geometrically biased historically weighted RANSAC on the calculated motion of the feature points. The geometrically biased historically weighted RANSAC gives a weight to the calculated motion of each feature point based on the historical metrics calculated for the feature point. The method removes the unwanted camera motion from the video sequence using the identified homographies. |
| US09277126B2 |
Device and method for photo and video capture
A single user input element in an image capture device is used for both photo and video capture. Based on a first user interface activity, a timing reference is engaged at a first reference time. In a first case, photo capture is performed. In the first case, a second reference time is based on a second user interface activity, and the timing reference indicates a passage of time between the two reference times is shorter than a particular time interval. In a second case, video capture is performed. In the second case, the timing reference indicates a passage of time since the first reference time is equal to or longer than the particular time interval. Video capture is stopped based on a subsequent user interface activity. The user interface activities may comprise detecting actions based on the same type of physical manipulation of the single user input. |
| US09277124B2 |
Imaging apparatus in which an operating mode can be changed based on a change in incline angle and/or a switch operation
An imaging apparatus includes an imaging unit that includes a shooting lens for collecting an image of a subject to be shot; and an imaging element that forms the image collected by the shooting lens and generates image data through photoelectric conversion of formed image. The imaging apparatus also includes an inclination detector that detects an inclination of the imaging apparatus from a predetermined position, through a rotation around a shooting optical axis of the shooting lens. The apparatus also includes a control unit that changes an operating mode to a switchable state capable of switching between operating modes when a predetermined time has elapsed in a state in which the inclination detected by the inclination detector falls within a predetermined range in which the operating modes of the imaging apparatus are switched to each other. |
| US09277122B1 |
System and method for removing camera rotation from a panoramic video
Removes undesirable camera rotation from a panoramic video. Video frames are mapped to a sphere and then projected to a forward-looking planar video. Camera tracking or other techniques are used to derive camera position and orientation in each frame. From the camera orientation, a correcting rotation is derived and is applied to the sphere onto which the panoramic video was mapped. Re-projecting video from the rotation-corrected sphere reduces or eliminates camera rotation artifacts from the panoramic video. Rotation may be re-introduced and other visual effects may be added to the stabilized video. May be utilized in 2D virtual reality and augmented reality displays. Depth may be accepted by the system for objects in the video and utilized to create 3D stereoscopic virtual reality and augmented reality displays. |
| US09277121B2 |
Integrating a 360 degree panoramic camera within a fire pull station
A 360° camera can be embedded within a fire pull station of a fire alarm system, the fire alarm system can include at least one of a fire detection component, a signaling component, and control panel. The fire pull station can include a mounting bracket and a housing. The mounting bracket can securely affixes the station to a surface. The housing can include of at least one of a power source, a pull, and a circuitry. The 360° camera can include an image sensor and a 360° lense array. The camera can obtain electrical power from the power source of the station. |
| US09277120B2 |
Image capturing apparatus provided with a peaking function, control method therefor, and storage medium
An image capturing apparatus realizes a precise focus assist function without losing edge information of a multi-pixel video image. The image capturing apparatus includes an image sensor arranged in a Bayer array, a circuit for converting resolution of the video signal obtained by the image sensor, a circuit for extracting high frequency components of each color pixel data of the video signal, a selection circuit for selecting the high frequency components of four pixels in a unit of the Bayer array and for outputting the component of the greatest amplitude as peaking information, and a superimposition circuit for superimposing the peaking information on the video signal of the resolution or substituting the video signal with the peaking information. |
| US09277115B2 |
Focus adjustment apparatus, focus adjustment method and program, and image pickup apparatus
An image pickup apparatus arranged to perform a focus adjustment by moving a focus lens based on an image pickup signal, parallelly reading out the image pickup signal obtained in a period set by a timing signal for setting a first exposure period and the image pickup signal obtained in a period set by a timing signal for setting a second exposure period from an image pickup unit by shifting the timing signals from each other in phase, obtain a focus evaluation value from the image pickup signal obtained in the set exposure period, and determine a position of the focus lens corresponding to the focus evaluation value based on a focus lens position when the image pickup signal is read out for the first exposure period and a focus lens position when the image pickup signal is read out for the second exposure period. |
| US09277114B2 |
Image pickup apparatus to which a lens unit with a focus lens is attachable and capable of performing accurate and fast focus detection, method of controlling image pickup apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium
An image pickup apparatus where a lens unit including an image pickup optical system including a focus lens is attachable, includes an image pickup element, a control unit that controls drive of the focus lens based on a focus signal, and an acquisition unit that acquires type information of the lens unit, and the control unit performs a first scanning operation of driving the focus lens in a first direction and perform a second scanning operation of driving the focus lens at a lower speed than a predetermined speed in a second direction after the first scanning operation, and determines whether to perform the second scanning operation based on the type information in a case where a drive speed of the focus lens when an in-focus position is detected based on the focus signal acquired during the first scanning operation is higher than the predetermined speed. |
| US09277108B2 |
Camera module including a lens barrel
Disclosed is a camera module. The camera module according to one embodiment includes a lens barrel disposed in a housing to receive a lens; a driving unit moving the lens barrel relative to the housing; and a circuit board electrically connected to the driving unit. The driving unit includes a first driving unit in the lens barrel; and a second driving unit in the housing. A portion of the second driving unit directly makes contact with the circuit board. |
| US09277107B2 |
Camera apparatus and mount adapter
A camera apparatus includes: a camera main body having a single plate type imaging section; and a handle mounting section for mounting a handle on an upper portion of the camera main body, wherein a lens for a three-plate type imaging section can be mounted on a lens mount section of a front portion of the camera main body via a mount adapter, and the handle mounting section mounts the handle on the upper portion of the camera main body so as to be able to move in a front-back direction. |
| US09277104B2 |
Vehicular camera and lens assembly and method of manufacturing same
A method of assembling a vehicular camera includes providing a lens assembly having a base portion, a lens barrel and a plurality of optical elements in the lens barrel, and providing a circuit element having a circuit board and an imaging array. An adhesive bead is dispensed at the base portion and/or circuit element. The circuit element is placed at the base portion with the adhesive bead therebetween and the optical elements are aligned with the imaging array via a six axis robotic device when the circuit element is at the base portion and in contact with the adhesive bead. The adhesive bead is cured to a first cure level via exposure of the adhesive bead to ultraviolet light. The assembly is moved to a second curing stage and the adhesive bead is cured to a second cure level via heating the adhesive bead. |
| US09277102B2 |
Audio processing apparatus, audio processing method and imaging apparatus
An audio processing apparatus including: an obtaining unit configured to obtain audio signals; and a processor configured to process the audio signals, wherein if it is not determined that the audio signals contain an abnormal value, the processor calculates a next sample value based on a predetermined number of sample values of the audio signals obtained by the obtaining unit, and wherein if it is determined that the audio signals contain an abnormal value, the processor uses the calculated next sample value so as to calculate a further next sample value. |
| US09277101B2 |
Method and system for generating interpolations of captured video content
An approach for enabling users to generate an interpolated view of content based on footage captured by multiple cameras is described. An interpolation platform receives a plurality of images from a plurality of video cameras providing overlapping fields of view. A camera angle that is different from angles provided by the plurality of cameras is selected. The interpolation platform then generates an interpolated image corresponding to the selected camera angle using a portion or all of the plurality of images from the plurality of cameras. |
| US09277099B2 |
Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and storage medium
Information corresponding to the degree of compression of lossy-compressed image data to be printed is acquired. Furthermore, based on the acquired information, a providing method of a recording agent when the image data to be printed is expanded and an image based on the expanded image data is printed, is determined. |
| US09277096B1 |
Varying trap thickness in an image
A method for varying a thickness of a trap around an object in an image. The method may include selecting a first window along a border of the object. The first window includes one or more first pixels representing the object and one or more second pixels representing a background or another object. A first edge orientation direction is determined based at least partially upon a location of the one or more first pixels in the first window. A first thickness of the object is measured along the first edge orientation direction. A trap is created around the object. A first thickness of the trap proximate to the first window is varied based at least partially upon the first thickness of the object. |
| US09277092B2 |
Configurable document server
A configurable document server is described. In some embodiments, the configurable document server can enable administrators to set an option that prevents documents from being routed to users when the configurable document server experiences some types of errors. When the configurable document server determines that such an error condition exists, it may prevent the routing of the corresponding document. By preventing documents causing errors from being routed, the configurable document server enables administrators to improve the accuracy of document workflow and thereby improve productivity of users. |
| US09277083B2 |
Image sensor module for image reading apparatus with improved reading flexibility
An image sensor module includes: a sensor IC having light receivers arranged in a main scanning direction; a lens unit configured to form an image on the sensor IC with light transferred from a read target; a first light source unit having a first output surface extending along the main scanning direction and outputting a first linear light extending along the main scanning direction from the first output surface toward the read target, the first output surface being placed at a position spaced apart from the lens unit in a sub-scanning direction; and a second light source unit having a second output surface extending along the main scanning direction and outputting a second linear light extending along the main scanning direction from the second output surface toward the read target, the second output surface being placed between the lens unit and the first output surface in the sub-scanning direction. |
| US09277080B2 |
Image reading device determining whether dark output data is within prescribed range
In an image reading device, a storing device stores reference dark output data and reference correction data. A control device, after a command receiving unit receives an instruction to read an original document, generates dark output data based on read data while the light source does not emit light. The control device determines whether the dark output data is within a first prescribed range into which the reference dark output data falls. The control device selects the reference correction data as selected correction data, when determining that the dark output data is within the first prescribed range. The control device generate correction data to correct the image data when determining that the dark output data is not within the first prescribed range, and selects the generated correction data as the selected correction data. The control device corrects the image data by using the selected correction data. |
| US09277076B2 |
Image processing apparatus and method for performing calibration for printing
An image processing apparatus includes a measurement unit configured to read a patch image for a calibration which is printed on a recorded medium by a printing apparatus and measure a density of the patch image, a reception unit configured to receive spectral reflection factor information measured by reading the patch image for the calibration printed on the recorded medium by using a measurement device capable of measuring a spectral reflection factor at every predetermined wavelengths, and a processing unit configured to perform a calibration for a printing using the recorded medium by the printing apparatus on the basis of the density measured by the measurement unit and the spectral reflection factor information received by the reception unit. |
| US09277066B2 |
Communication system, communication terminal, control method, and storage medium storing program
In a communication terminal, a transmission control unit transmits, by a first wireless communication method to the information processing apparatus, instruction for executing wireless communication by a second wireless communication method using communication information stored in the information processing apparatus. In an information processing apparatus, a storage unit stores the communication information. A communication unit executes wireless communication by the second wireless communication method using the communication information stored in the storage unit, in a case where the instruction is transmitted by the transmission control unit. |
| US09277064B2 |
Terminal and method to access an intelligent module adapted to connect to a printer, and to access a web server in which a web application is maintained
A script language compatible with HTML is used to define methods or objects capable of communicating directly with an intelligent module for printing operations without going through a web browser's print selection option. A print API library provides the needed methods/objects for embedding into a web page. The intelligent module may be a stand-alone electronic device, or may be an intelligent device incorporated into a printer. The intelligent module may manage multiple printers directly or through a network, and it functions to provide a communication bridge for translating/conveying communication between the print APIs on a web page and a target printer. The print API knows the fixed IP address of the intelligent module, and define a print document or print commands and send it directly to the intelligent module by means of the known IP address. |
| US09277063B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image processing method and storage medium storing program
A reading unit, which reads images, reads an image of a predetermined pattern that includes a plurality of marks and is printed on a printing medium by executing scanning relative to the printing medium. Image data acquired by this reading is acquired. Reading adjustment values are specified in accordance with displacement amounts of a plurality of regions with respect to ideal positions. The plurality of regions are formed based on the plurality of patterns included in the acquired image data. Reading processing of a reading mechanism is corrected in accordance with the specified reading adjustment values. |
| US09277061B2 |
Method of providing mobile bill and server for performing the same
A mobile bill providing server receives bill details for a particular user from a mobile bill issuing server and provides a mobile bill to a mobile terminal available for installation of a bill viewer, the mobile bill being dependent upon the bill viewer. A mobile bill providing method includes searching for the mobile terminal associated with the particular user and determining whether the bill viewer has been installed in the mobile terminal. If the bill viewer has not been installed in the mobile terminal, the method includes transmitting an electronic bill independent of the bill viewer and guidance information for installation of the bill viewer to the mobile terminal, waiting for a period of time until the bill viewer is installed in the mobile terminal, and when the bill viewer is installed, transmitting the mobile bill to the mobile terminal. |
| US09277058B2 |
Methods, systems, and products for voice-over internet protocol calls
Network resources for a call between a calling party and a called party are allocated. The network resources for the call are reserved based on a reservation request. The network resources are reserved before any one network resource from the reserved network resources is committed. The reserved network resources for the call are committed when a called party indicates acceptance for the call. |
| US09277055B2 |
Call mapping systems and methods using variance algorithm (VA) and/or distribution compensation
Method, system and program product, comprising obtaining agent performance data; ranking, agents based the agent performance data; dividing agents into agent performance ranges; partitioning callers based on criteria into a set of partitions; determining for each partition an outcome value for a first agent performance range and a second agent performance range; calculating for the partitions a respective outcome value difference indicator based on the outcome value for the first agent performance range and the outcome value for the second agent performance range for the partition; matching a respective agent to a respective caller in one of the partitions, based on the outcome value difference indicators for the partitions. |
| US09277053B2 |
Ready-to-dial global phone numbers
A method, computer-readable medium, and apparatus for providing ready-to-dial global phone numbers is provided. In one embodiment of the present invention, a telephone number parser parses a received telephone number into a collection of telephone number components. The telephone number parser validates each telephone number component of the collection of telephone number components. A telephone number manager stores the collection of telephone number components. In response to receiving a request for a telephone number, a telephone number assembler generates the telephone number from the collection of telephone number components. The telephone number is configured to be successfully dialed from a location from which the telephone number is to be dialed. Finally, the telephone number manager displays the telephone number. |
| US09277049B1 |
Systems and methods for caller ID and call destination authentication
Systems and methods for caller id authentication, caller id spoof detection, call destination authentication and call forwarding detection are disclosed. Embodiments include legitimate caller ID spoofing, authenticating blocked caller ID's and revealing caller ID's to certain parties. Other embodiments utilize caller ID authentication within a list based call handling system. Applications of caller ID authentication methodology to other forms of communication source address authentication, such as email, SMS, and postal mail are described. |
| US09277048B2 |
Method and apparatus for network-intelligence-determined identity or persona
A method and apparatus is presented for enabling an agent to assume the identity or persona of a called party and process calls directed to the called party. In one embodiment, methods, which enable an agent to assume the identity or persona of a called party, and process calls directed to the called party are considered a call center functions and may be implemented in a call center. A call is initiated to a called party. Initiating the call generates called party information. Using the called party information a server retrieves information associated with the called party and then forward the information associated with the called party to an agent. The call is then forwarded to the agent. As a result, the agent may use the information associated with the called party to assume the identity or persona of the called party when responding to the call. |
| US09277045B2 |
Touch-panel cellular phone and input operation method
A touch-panel cellular phone specifies an invalid area not accepting a user's input operation on a touch panel in advance. The cellular phone detects a user's touch area on the touch panel so as to execute a function pre-assigned to the touch area not encompassed by the invalid area. Additionally, it is possible to reduce and display menu icons in the display area precluding the invalid area on the touch panel. Thus, it is possible to prevent an error operation when a user holding a cellular phone inadvertently touches the touch panel. |
| US09277041B2 |
Phone number recognition
Method and system for recognizing a numeric or alphanumeric sequence of characters in a document, the sequence conforming to predetermined rules and representing user identifiers for identifying users in a communication system include identifying a country of origin of the document, recalling rules relating to the format of the sequence associated with the determined country of origin, searching the document to identify any sequence in the document satisfying the format and returning any such sequence. |
| US09277038B1 |
Attachable kickstand with multiple positions for cellular phone
A kickstand to be affixed to a back surface of a mobile device or cell phone has a base with an adhesive layer to adhere the base to the back surface of the mobile device. An elongated slot is disposed in the base and has a pair of bores in the slot. An arm is pivotally coupled to the base and disposable in the elongated slot and has an axel with a pair of distal ends each disposed in a different one of the pair of bores. The pair of distal ends of the axel is bifurcated to form a pair of fingers such that the pair of fingers press outwardly against a wall of the pair of bores. |
| US09277031B2 |
Method for communicating between a number of first services and a number of second services
In a method for communicating between a number of first services and a number of second services. The number of first services belongs to a service-oriented architecture, in which a respective first service is provided by messages based on a question-answer mechanism by a first protocol. The number of second services belongs to a data-based architecture, in which second services can be switched together by a second protocol. The second protocol specifies data input and data output of the second service and transfers the data between the second services. A message of a first service, entering into the service converter, is converted into data input of a second service associated with the first service and/or data output of a second service, entering into the service converter is converted into a message emitted by the service converter, of a first service associated with the second service. |
| US09277027B2 |
Method for providing message and device therefor
A method and device for providing a message in a remote User Interface (UI) system are provided. The method includes, if a notification message to be sent to a second device connected to a first device is generated in a remote server or the first device communicating with the remote server, the first device generates access information to the notification message, includes the access information in a notification message event indicating occurrence of the notification message, and sends the notification message event to a plurality of second devices in a multicast transmission. Upon receiving a request for the notification message from the plurality of second devices, the first device sends the notification message to the second device whose IDentifier (ID) is identical to a device ID included in the access information, among the plurality of second devices. |
| US09277022B2 |
Guided workflows for establishing a web presence
Methods and systems related to guided workflows for establishing a web presence include a customer user interface with a guided workflow layer based on a knowledge base about the customer, wherein the customer interface allows a customer to manage a customer's web presence based on operation of a logic engine that accesses information about what a customer has done and who the customer is (e.g. type of business), wherein the user interface presents a guided workflow of tasks associated with a recommended area of improvement for the customer. |
| US09277020B2 |
Real life to digital life event correlation
A method and system for correlating events with social media is provided. The method includes retrieving from a social network, social network data associated with users of the social network. The social network data is associated with event data associated with a user of the users. Temporary actions associated with a social network account of the user are enabled and a notification is transmitted to a group of users. In response, confirmation data associated with enabling the temporary actions is received from the group of users and permanent actions associated with the temporary actions are enabled. |
| US09277017B2 |
Techniques for device independent session migration
Techniques for device independent session migration are presented. A secure mechanism is presented for a target device to receive a current authenticated communication session from an original device with minimal user interaction while automated security is enforced during session migration. In an embodiment, the target device is a mobile device and the original device is a desktop; the target device captures a data glyph that is visually presented on a display of the original device and the data glyph is then seamlessly communicated to a server manager for authentication and session migration. |
| US09277016B2 |
Communication system, client apparatus, server apparatus, communication method, and program
In a communication system in which a server apparatus on the Internet is connected to at least one client apparatus on an intranet via a firewall, the client apparatus comprises: acquisition means for acquiring, from the server apparatus, information associated with a transmission interval at which notifications are periodically transmitted to maintain the connection to the server; and management means for maintaining the connection by periodically transmitting the notifications based on the information associated with the acquired transmission interval, and the server apparatus comprises: decision means for deciding an interval, in which the connection in the push communication can be maintained in non-communication, based on the communication status information; and notification means for notifying the client apparatus of the decided interval as information associated with the transmission interval used to maintain the connection in the push communication. |
| US09277015B1 |
Communication sequences based on user rules
There is provided a method for establishing a communication session between a client device of a caller and a client device of a callee, comprising: iteratively attempting to establish a communication session, via a communication interface of a client device of a caller, to a communication address of a client device of one of a plurality of callees represented as contact members stored in an electronic address-book, wherein each respective iterative attempt includes; detecting failure of the establishment of the communication session; applying a set-of-rules associated with the respective contact member and stored in a set-of-rules repository, to attempt to establish a subsequent communication session via the communication interface; and attempting to establishing further communication sessions defined by a sequence of the set-of-rules when previous attempts at establishing communication sessions have failed; wherein each respective communication session allows human language based communication between the caller and the callee. |
| US09277012B2 |
Apparatus and method for tracking transaction related data
A method of tracking information in a multi-tier computerized environment, the method comprising: receiving an at least one packet; storing data associated with the at least one packet and with an at least one request or transaction associated with the at least one packet; parsing a byte stream generated from conversion of the at least one packet; detecting data associated with the at least one request or transaction related to the byte stream; matching a thread associated with the byte stream with the at least one request or transaction associated with the at least one packet according to predetermined fields within the byte stream, an apparatus for implementing the same and methods for determining resource consumption of requests or transactions. |
| US09277010B2 |
Systems and apparatuses for aggregating nodes to form an aggregated virtual storage for a virtualized desktop environment
Embodiments of the invention relate generally to software, data storage, and virtualized computing and processing resources. More specifically, systems and apparatuses are described for aggregating nodes to form an aggregated virtual storage for a virtualized desktop environment. In one embodiment, a virtual storage system includes servers including processors and memories, and an aggregated virtual storage including the memories, each of the memories being associated with a corresponding server. Also included is a storage aggregator processor coupled to a memory including executable instructions to generate a data structure for storage in each memory in an associated server in the servers, each of the data structures being configured to store a reference to duplicative data stored in a first number of servers in the servers. The duplicative data provides redundancy when a second number of servers, or fewer, in the servers are inaccessible. |
| US09277009B2 |
Method and system for managing data in a communication network
A method for managing a plurality of files in a communication network having a plurality of clients includes a server receiving (502) metadata associated with a secured file stored in a virtual data drive of a first client. The server also receives (504) data segments associated with the file from the virtual data drive of the first client. The server stores the metadata and data segments associated with the file at the server. The server generates (506) a first representation of the file based on the received metadata and data segments associated with the file and sends (508) the first representation of the file to the plurality of clients. Next, the server receives (510) a request from a second client for at least one data segment of the file. The server authenticates the request based on a plurality of access rights of a user of the second client and sends (512) the at least one data segment of the file to the second client when the request is authenticated. |
| US09277008B2 |
Apparatus, system and method of setting up an application service platform (ASP) peer to peer (P2P) group
Some demonstrative embodiments include apparatuses, systems and/or methods of setting up an Application Service Platform (ASP) Peer-to-Peer (P2P) persistent group. For example, an apparatus may include a first ASP to communicate with a second ASP to setup one or more ASP-P2P groups over a wireless communication link, the first ASP is to form each ASP-P2P group only as an ASP-P2P persistent group extendable over a plurality of distinct sessions, the first ASP is to store credentials of the ASP-P2P persistent group for use during the sessions. |
| US09277007B2 |
Apparatus and method for reconfiguring peer-to-peer connection between terminals
A method and apparatus for a Peer-to-Peer (P2P) connection between terminals are provided. The method of a group owner terminal that establishes the P2P connection between terminals includes determining a terminal to be operated as a next owner terminal among terminals included in a group connected via the P2P connection, and transmitting information about general member terminals included in the group to the next owner terminal. |
| US09277003B2 |
Automated cloud workload management in a map-reduce environment
A computing device associated with a cloud computing environment identifies a first worker cloud computing device from a group of worker cloud computing devices with available resources sufficient to meet required resources for a highest-priority task associated with a computing job including a group of prioritized tasks. A determination is made as to whether an ownership conflict would result from an assignment of the highest-priority task to the first worker cloud computing device based upon ownership information associated with the computing job and ownership information associated with at least one other task assigned to the first worker cloud computing device. The highest-priority task is assigned to the first worker cloud computing device in response to determining that the ownership conflict would not result from the assignment of the highest-priority task to the first worker cloud computing device. |
| US09276998B2 |
Transfer of files with arrays of strings in soap messages
A method of transferring files in a data-processing network using a current node within the network includes reading an outbound content and outbound characteristics of an outbound file. An outbound message is created having outbound strings including a first set of the outbound strings representing the outbound characteristics and a second set of the outbound strings representing the outbound content. The outbound message is sent to a receiver node within the network. An inbound message is received from a sender node within the network. The inbound message has inbound strings including a first set of the inbound strings representing inbound characteristics and a second set of the inbound strings representing inbound content. An inbound file having the inbound content is stored, and the inbound characteristics are applied to the inbound file. |
| US09276997B2 |
Web browser proxy—client video system and method
Method of controlling playback of Internet web page video on remote or high quality video displays using a remote control device, such as a smart phone. The method runs a first client browser on the remote control device, which in turn sends commands to a proxy browser with a data buffer. In response to user commands from the remote control device, the proxy browser retrieves and buffers video and non-video web page data from Internet servers, and sends this data to the remote control device. Upon user command, the proxy browser also sends selected buffered data to a second client browser that is connected to the remote or high quality video display. Media player playback commands on the remote control are echoed to a second media player on the second client browser, resulting in good synchronization between devices. Various compression, IP address adjustment, and public key methods are also discussed. |
| US09276994B2 |
Redirection service
A computing system can include an interface that receives a URL where the URL includes activation information associated with activation of an Internet link by a user and item information associated with an item where the item information is associated with an ID for the item; circuitry that determines if the ID identifies the item at an Internet store; circuitry that determines via decay logic a best match for the item at the Internet store if the ID does not identify the item at the Internet store; and circuitry that formulates a redirection URL for redirection of the user to a webpage of the Internet store for the best match for the item if the ID does not identify the item at the Internet store. |
| US09276990B1 |
Virtual application execution system and method
A virtual execution environment for software applications and other code objects. In one implementation, the present invention allows for virtual execution of applications by transparently capturing the rendered output of natively executed applications, and delivering the output to other processes on the same platform or to remote devices in a platform agnostic manner. |
| US09276989B2 |
Buffering in HTTP streaming client
A buffer model in an HTTP streaming client may include receiving a first content fragment of a first content stream in response to a first HTTP request. It may also include receiving a second content fragment of a second content stream in response to a second HTTP request. The buffer model may further include storing the first and second content fragments in first and second buffers of a plurality of configurable buffers. The first and second content fragments may be multiplexed into a third buffer of the plurality of buffers. The multiplexed first and second content fragments may be stored in a fourth buffer of the plurality of buffers for playback. The buffer model may be implemented by an application. The buffers may be designed based on one or more constraints. |
| US09276986B2 |
Systems, methods, and apparatuses for facilitating remote data processing
Methods and apparatuses are provided for facilitating remote data processing. A method may include accessing content represented by data having a first size. The method may further include preprocessing the data to generate reduced data having a second size being smaller than the first size. The method may additionally include causing the reduced data to be sent to a remote data processing apparatus configured to process the reduced data to derive data related to the content. Corresponding apparatuses are also provided. |
| US09276982B2 |
Multimedia conversation transfer
A method performed by a conversation manager in a communications network includes establishing a multimedia conversation between a first device associated with a first user and at least one endpoint associated with at least one other user, the multimedia conversation comprising at least two different media types according to respective and different protocol types. The method further includes receiving an instruction to transfer the conversation from the first device of the first user to a second device, adding the second device to the multimedia conversation by establishing connections for the at least two different media types to the second device, and removing the first device from the multimedia conversation by removing connections for the at least two media types to the first device. |
| US09276981B2 |
Optimized communication of media content to client devices
There is provided a system and method for determining an optimal bandwidth for a communication between a networked client device and a server. There is provided a method comprising identifying the networked client device, identifying a location of the networked client device, obtaining a client device profile for the networked client device corresponding to the location, and determining the optimal bandwidth using the client device profile. In this manner, client devices may almost instantly stream the highest quality video available. |
| US09276980B2 |
Data synchronization based on file system activities
Technology is disclosed herein for data synchronization based on file system activities. According to at least one embodiment, a computing device monitors one or more file system operations for a file stored in the computing device. The computing device records the file system operations for the file sequentially into a log data structure. The computing device synchronizes the file with a server by sending the log data structure to the server. The server can apply the file system operations recorded in the log data to an instance of the file stored in the server such that data of the file stored in the computing device are consistent with data in the instance of the file stored in the server after the file system operations are applied. |
| US09276971B1 |
Methods and apparatuses for video and text in communication greetings for the audibly-impaired
Methods and apparatuses for enabling electronic communication with an audibly-impaired user are disclosed. A communication device receives a call from a video endpoint associated with a calling party, wherein the call is intended for the audibly-impaired user. If the audibly-impaired user is unavailable to receive the call, information is selected from a database with one or more entries associated with the audibly-impaired user. The one or more entries include a video greeting previously recorded by the audibly-impaired user and a text greeting previously entered by the audibly-impaired user. The video greeting and the text greeting are combined as a merged video stream. The merged video stream is then presented on the video endpoint associated with the calling party. |
| US09276970B2 |
Method and equipment for forwarding a SIP request message having alerting information associated therewith to a receiving subscriber in a SIP based communications network
Method and user equipment and network node for sending a SIP request message having alerting information associated therewith from an originating user equipment having an originating SIP-UA associated therewith to a receiving SIP-UA associated with a receiving user equipment in a SIP based communications network, including setting a condition which must be met in order for the receiving SIP-UA to be allowed to receive the alerting information, checking whether the condition has been met, and f the condition has been met, passing the alerting information on to the receiving SIP-UA. |
| US09276965B2 |
Systems and methods of making a call
Systems and methods of making calls are provided. A particular method includes receiving input indicating a destination address at a mobile communication device. The method also includes determining whether the destination address is of a predetermined type. The method further includes initiating a call to a communication bridge via a mobile communication network when the destination address is of the predetermined type. The method also includes sending an instruction to the communication bridge to initiate a communication connection to the destination address. |
| US09276964B2 |
Method and user terminal for supporting provision of capabilities
A method in a first user terminal (300, 500) for supporting provision of capabilities of the first user terminal to a second user terminal (302) is provided.The method comprises receipt (402) of a capability request from the second user terminal. Upon receipt of the capability request, filtering rules are used (406) on the capabilities of the first user terminal, wherein the filtering rules have been pre-configured for the first user terminal to control exposure of said capabilities. Thereafter a capability message is transmitted (408) to the second user terminal, wherein at least one of the capabilities of the first user terminal have been omitted from the capability message based on the filtering rules. |
| US09276963B2 |
Policy-based secure containers for multiple enterprise applications
Technologies for providing policy-based secure containers for multiple enterprise applications include a client computing device and an enterprise policy server. The client computing device sends device attribute information and a request for access to an enterprise application to the enterprise policy server. The enterprise policy server determines a device trust level based on the device attribute information and a data sensitivity level based on the enterprise application, and sends a security policy to the client computing device based on the device trust level and the data sensitivity level. The client computing device references or creates a secure container for the security policy, adds the enterprise application to the secure container, and enforces the security policy while executing the enterprise application in the secure container. Multiple enterprise applications may be added to each secure container. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US09276958B2 |
Customizing security role in device management system, apparatus and method
Systems, apparatuses and methods are provided for managing information technology devices in an information technology environment in which at least some of the devices are connected to a network, and access of each user in the information technology environment is customized in a convenient manner. |
| US09276950B2 |
Apparatus method and medium for detecting payload anomaly using N-gram distribution of normal data
A method, apparatus and medium are provided for detecting anomalous payloads transmitted through a network. The system receives payloads within the network and determines a length for data contained in each payload. A statistical distribution is generated for data contained in each payload received within the network, and compared to a selected model distribution representative of normal payloads transmitted through the network. The model payload can be selected such that it has a predetermined length range that encompasses the length for data contained in the received payload. Anomalous payloads are then identified based on differences detected between the statistical distribution of received payloads and the model distribution. The system can also provide for automatic training and incremental updating of models. |
| US09276949B2 |
Modeling and outlier detection in threat management system data
Methods, systems, and computer-readable media for identifying potential threats on a network based on anomalous behavior in communication between endpoints are provided. Traffic data for a network is accumulated over some period of time. The traffic data is grouped by one or more keys, such as source IP address, and sets of metric values are calculated for the keys. A mixture distribution, such as a negative binomial mixture distribution, is fitted to each set of metric values, and outlying metric values are determined based on the mixture distribution(s). A list of outliers is then generated comprising key values having outlying metric values in one or more of the sets of metric values. |
| US09276944B2 |
Generalized certificate use in policy-based secure messaging environments
Within a secure messaging environment, a determination is made that a request to send a message has been generated by a user. A message protection policy configured to process the message within the secure messaging environment is identified. The message protection policy specifies that, within the secure messaging environment, a secured digital certificate, other than a user-assigned digital certificate of the user, is configured with an associated private key to digitally sign the message on behalf of the user. Based upon the message protection policy, a determination is made to digitally sign the message using the private key of the secured digital certificate. The message is signed on behalf of the user using the private key of the secured digital certificate. |
| US09276942B2 |
Multi-tenancy identity management system
A multi-tenant identity management (IDM) system enables IDM functions to be performed relative to various different customers' domains within a shared cloud computing environment and without replicating a separate IDM system for each separate domain. The IDM system can provide IDM functionality to service instances located within various different customers' domains while enforcing isolation between those domains. A cloud-wide identity store can contain identity information for multiple customers' domains, and a cloud-wide policy store can contain security policy information for multiple customers' domains. The multi-tenant IDM system can provide a delegation model in which a domain administrator can be appointed for each domain, and in which each domain administrator can delegate certain roles to other user identities belong to his domain. Service instance-specific administrators can be appointed by a domain administrator to administer to specific service instances within a domain. |
| US09276940B2 |
Data plan activation
A method, implemented by a router device, for guiding a user in establishing access privileges for a data exchanger includes causing the data exchanger to establish a remote link with a data service provider. Access content is obtained from the data service provider and presented to a client device. Access data provided in response to the presenting of the access content is received. The access content when presented by the client device enables a user to supply the access data. The access data is useable by the data service provider to set access privileges associated with the data exchanger that enable the data exchanger to be utilized to perform a desired function. The access data is returned to the data service provider via the remote link. The data exchanger is utilized to implement the desired function. |
| US09276939B2 |
Managing user access to query results
A system or computer usable program product for redacting QA system answer information based on user access to content including analyzing a corpus by natural language processing techniques, wherein the corpora includes non-sensitive and sensitive content, and storing the analyzed corpora in memory; receiving a user question to be answered by utilizing the analyzed corpora; utilizing a processor to determine a set of answer information by processing using the corpora; determining a user access right to sensitive content; and redacting an answer information item from the set of answer information if sensitive content to which the user does not have access was used to determine the answer information item. |
| US09276938B2 |
Cross-enterprise workflow
Example systems, methods and storage media to provide a cross-enterprise workflow among clinical systems are disclosed. An example cross-enterprise enabled clinical information system includes a workflow manager to coordinate user workflows with respect to the system and associated content. The system includes an image services manager configured to manage images and associated services for the system and associated content. The workflow manager and image services manager are configured for cross-enterprise content sharing such that the system is to locally authenticate a user at the system and the system is to locally authorize a remote request for access to content at the system from a remote user that has been authenticated remotely. The system is arranged to provide content in response to the remote request after the remote authentication has been received and the system has verified the remote user's authorization for access. |
| US09276935B2 |
Domain manager for extending digital-media longevity
A system is disclosed for providing trusted third-party management of user device domains in a digital rights management environment. The system includes a plurality of content providers that distribute digital content items via user accounts having associated user device domains. The user device domains are managed by an independent domain manager. The domain manager includes a device registrar which is operative, for a given user device domain, to receive a request to add a device to the user device domain. If the request is grantable, a domain controller of the domain manager is operative to cause a domain private key to be transmitted to the device being added to the user device domain. The domain private key is usable at the device to decrypt a content key which was previously released to the user device domain for decrypting protected digital content. |
| US09276933B2 |
Security token caching in centralized authentication systems
Methods, systems, and devices for determining a time-expiry algorithm based on a cached and verified security token, a disposition of the security token, and a cache table, where the disposition of the security token is based on whether the received security token is a single-use token or a multiple-use token and where the cache table is selected from two separate cache tables. |
| US09276931B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing multiplexed security token values
An approach for providing multiplexed security token values is described. A security token value multiplexing platform may determine a time interval for generating a security token value, wherein the time interval is different from a previous time interval at which a previous security token value was generated. The security token value multiplexing platform may further select an algorithm from a plurality of algorithms for generating the security token value based on the time interval. The security token value multiplexing platform may also generate the security token value using the algorithm. |
| US09276930B2 |
Device for controlling network user data
A device for controlling input, storage and deletion network user data includes a system of aliases for presenting a user with a plurality of aliases (nicknames) with the aim of sorting the computer network resources according to composition and access. Resources can be divided between different aliases according to access to said resources.A search option is ensured by the provision of an attribute search unit. A user enters a logic query for a search by means of an input unit, and then the attribute search unit produces a comparison of values for attributes set in the search query with values for the attributes of all of the aliases and from these selects those which correspond to the search criteria. |
| US09276927B1 |
Systems and methods for obscuring entry of electronic security term
A security service determines whether to grant a user access to a resource. The service receives from the user a security term in an obscured form derived from a revealed form of the security term according to a predefined padding scheme known to the user and to the security service. The service applies the padding scheme to the received term to result in a de-padded security term and confirms that the de-padded security term matches the retrieved revealed security term. Additionally, the service confirms that the received term has not been previously employed within a predetermined frame of reference. Accordingly, if the received obscured security term is purloined and re-used within the predetermined frame of reference, the security service denies access to the resource. |
| US09276925B2 |
Managing cloud zones
Methods and systems for managing cloud zones are described herein. A management server for a cloud of computing resources may add private zones to the cloud. The private zones may contain computers owned and operated by a user of the cloud, such as a cloud customer, rather than the cloud operator. The management server may manage the computing resources in the private zone by sending commands to an agent, which in turn relays the management server's commands to the individual computing resources. The agent may be authenticated using a token. |
| US09276919B1 |
System and method for recognizing malicious credential guessing attacks
In certain embodiments, a system having a memory and a processor. The memory is operable to store a credential verifier associated with a user account and a counter. The processor is coupled to the memory and the memory includes executable instructions that cause the system to receive a first authentication attempt and increment the counter if validation of the first authentication attempt against the credential verifier fails. The instructions also cause the system to receive a second authentication attempt and increment the counter only if validation of the second authentication attempt against the credential verifier fails and the second authentication attempt is distinct from the first authentication attempt. |
| US09276917B2 |
Systems, devices and methods for authorizing endpoints of a push pathway
An apparatus, system, and method for authorizing endpoints of a push pathway for push notifications are described herein. In one example embodiment, an identity provider element authenticates a first endpoint of the push pathway, determines an authentication token associated with the first endpoint, and determines a channel identifier in response to a successful validation of the authentication token associated with the first endpoint. In this embodiment, the identity provider element also authenticates a second endpoint of the push pathway, determines an authentication token associated with the second endpoint, and determines a handle for the push pathway in response to a successful validation of both the authentication token associated with the first endpoint and the authentication token associated with the second endpoint. The push pathway is established for transmission of push notifications from the first to the second endpoint upon establishing the handle for the push pathway. |
| US09276913B2 |
Transmission/reception system, transmission device, reception device, authentication device, user equipment, method executed using these, and program
An encryption technique in which a transmission device and a reception device use solutions generated such that those generated in the same order are assumed to be the same is improved so as to enhance versatility without undermining security. An initial solution respectively used by two communication devices involved in communication in order to generate solutions is sent from one communicating device to the other. Both communication devices generate a mutually agreed-upon number of solutions from the initial solution and set the last solution among the generated solutions as a new initial solution, and using solutions generated based on the new initial solution, the transmission device performs encryption while the reception device performs decryption. |
| US09276910B2 |
Systems and methods for convenient and secure mobile transactions
Systems and methods for conducting convenient and secure mobile transactions between a payment terminal and a mobile device, e.g., in a fueling environment, are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the payment terminal and the mobile device conduct a mutual authentication process that, if successful, produces a session key which can be used to encrypt sensitive data to be exchanged between the payment terminal and the mobile device. Payment and loyalty information can be securely communicated from the mobile device to the payment terminal using the session key. This can be done automatically, without waiting for the user to initiate a transaction, to shorten the overall transaction time. The transaction can also be completed without any user interaction with the mobile device, increasing the user's convenience since the mobile device can be left in the user's pocket, purse, vehicle, etc. |
| US09276906B2 |
Systems and methods for a self-defending wireless computer network
In one embodiment, the methods and apparatuses to assign a routing address to a wireless computer that is in a different logical network from the routing addresses of other wireless computers within the same physical wireless network; and to prevent a wireless computer from learning the routing address of another wireless computer within the same physical wireless network. |
| US09276901B2 |
Method, system, and apparatus for transitioning from IPv4 to IPv6
A system and method for provisioning a web service for enabling communication between networks running different Internet Protocol (IP) versions includes a processor-implemented communication module and a processor-implemented provisioning module. The processor-implemented communication module is configured to receive provisioning information from a content provider. The provisioning information includes a fully qualified domain name and an Internet Protocol (IP) address of a first IP version associated with the fully qualified domain name. The processor-implemented provisioning module is configured to provision the web service. The web service causes a request by a client device running a second IP version to access a content provider registered to the IP address to be redirected to a proxy server. The web service further causes the proxy server to retrieve the content from the content provider and to provide the content to the client device. |
| US09276897B2 |
Distributed logical L3 routing
A non-transitory machine readable medium storing a program that configures first and second managed forwarding elements to perform logical L2 switching and L3 routing is described. The program generates a first set of flow entries for configuring the first managed forwarding element to perform (1) a first logical L2 processing for a first logical L2 domain, (2) a logical L3 processing, and (3) a second logical L2 processing for a second logical L2 domain. The program generates a second set of flow entries for configuring the second managed forwarding element to determine whether the first managed forwarding element has performed the first logical L2 processing, the logical L3 processing, and the second logical L2 processing. |
| US09276896B2 |
Method and apparatus of establishing a connection between devices using cached connection information
Disclosed are an apparatus and method of caching connection information used to establish a communication connection setup between at least two endpoint devices across a data network. One example method of operation may include exchanging at least one interface address and at least one globally unique identifier between the at least two endpoint devices. The method may also provide retrieving a last successful connection setup information based on the at least one globally unique identifier and the at least one interface address, assigning at least one port number to the at least one interface address via at least one of the two endpoint devices, exchanging at least one rendezvous message between the at least two endpoint devices to share connection setup information, and storing at least one of the at least one interface address, that at least one globally unique identifier, the last successful connection setup information, and the at least one port number in a cache file. |
| US09276894B2 |
Resource management of social network applications
Applications in social networks support interaction between members through various types of channels such as notifications, newsfeed, and so forth. For each channel, applications are ranked based on their user affinity measures. User affinity is based on measuring positive and negative interactions by users as both senders and recipients of messages generated by applications. Metrics are computed for the different types of messages and interactions provided by applications. For each channel, an application receives user affinity score based on specific weighted combination of the metrics. Applications use channel resources to send messages to increase their user base. Given the large number of applications that are available, the extent to which applications are allowed to use channels is controlled, limiting their resource consumption. User affinity scores of applications calculated for a channel are used to decide the allocation of channel resources for an application. |
| US09276893B2 |
Determining states of a threaded communication
Techniques, systems, and articles of manufacture for determining the current logical state of a social media communication thread. A method includes computing an initial probability for applicability of each of multiple logical states for a first entry in a social media communication thread, wherein each logical state corresponds to a stage of interaction between customers of an enterprise and/or agents of the enterprise based on features derived from content of entries in the communication thread, network structure of entries, and identity of authors of entries, computing a transition probability between each subsequent consecutive entry in the communication thread, wherein the transition probability indicates the probability of moving from one logical state to another, and determining the current logical state of the communication thread based on the computed initial probability for the first entry and the computed transition probability between each subsequent entry in the communication thread. |
| US09276889B2 |
Using distance from a forum posting as criteria to selectively convey email notifications or not
A collaboration server determines a response to a posting on a communication forum. The collaboration server determines whether or not to convey an email notification to a posting user via email based upon a distance threshold established for email notifications. The distance threshold is an integer value. The collaboration server calculates a current distance between the response and the posting, where the current distance represents a quantity of responses to the posting from forum participants that have occurred without a new response from the posting user being submitted to the communication forum. Responsive to the current distance being less than the distance threshold, an email is conveyed to an email account of the posting user informing the posting user of the response. Otherwise, no email is conveyed. |
| US09276886B1 |
Apparatus and method for dynamically configuring application component tiles
A server with a tile construction module has instructions executed by a processor to collect communication threads associated with a user. Tiles representative of the communication threads are dynamically configured in accordance with specified policies to form a tile configuration. The tile configuration is supplied to the user. |
| US09276885B2 |
System and method for managing files to be attached to or detached from an electronic mail
A system and method for identifying specific locations where to attach or detach e-mail attachments based on e-mail storage locations is disclosed. The method allows to search in a mail-attachment connection table all the attachment locations that are in relation to the e-mail where the attachment is to be attached to or to be detached from and to present to a user all attachment locations that have a relevance for the attach/detach operation. |
| US09276882B2 |
System and method for online fan meeting
Provided are a system and a method for an online fan meeting. The online chat method among a first user and a plurality of second users, includes granting a bilateral chat right to a first group of users selected from the second users for participating in an online chat with the first user, authorizing an online chat communication among the first user and the first group based on the bilateral chat right, and broadcasting the online chat communication to a second group of users selected from the second users. The second group is granted with a unilateral chat right. |
| US09276881B2 |
Extended out of office message processing
Message processing includes activating an out-of-office function for a messaging account, wherein the out-of-office function has a scheduled end time. A determination is made, using a processor, that a current time is after the scheduled end time and that a deactivation condition for the out-of-office function has not occurred. Responsive to the determination, an out-of-office action is performed using the processor. |
| US09276879B2 |
Memory transfer optimization of network adapter data placement when performing header-data split operations
Mechanisms are provided, in a data processing system comprising a host system and a network adapter, for processing received frames of data over a network connection. The mechanisms receive, in the host system from the network adapter, a plurality of frames of data. The mechanisms record, by the host system, for each frame in the plurality of frames, a header size associated with the frame over a current predetermined interval. The mechanisms determine, by the host system, a receive buffer address offset for receive buffers in the host system for a next predetermined interval based on the recorded header sizes of the plurality of frames over the current predetermined interval. In addition, the mechanisms configure, by the host system, the network adapter to utilize the receive buffer address offset to perform data transfers with the host system. |
| US09276877B1 |
Data model for software defined networks
In one example, a controller device for a software defined network (SDN) includes one or more network interfaces configured to communicate with network devices of the SDN, and one or more processors configured to obtain data representative of the network devices in the SDN, instantiate software-based controller objects for controllers of the network devices, instantiate software-based switch description objects for switches of the network devices, wherein the software-based switch description objects each comprise data representative of a respective primary controller corresponding to a controller of the one or more controllers, a respective switch identifier, a respective switch media access control (MAC) address, a respective Internet protocol (IP) address, and a respective array of port description objects for each physical port on the respective switch, and managing, via the network interfaces, at least some of the switches using the switch description objects and the controller objects. |
| US09276874B1 |
High bandwidth GFP demapper
A system and method of delineating GFP data. The GFP framer comprises a candidate generator for generating an array of core header candidates from a data word received on a data bus, a candidate processor for generating a plurality of candidate tours and a frame delineator for identifying a candidate tour as an active tour and delineating the boundaries of the GFP frames defined by the active tour. Each core header candidate defines a reference position of one of the plurality of candidate tours. Each of the plurality of candidate tour comprises a record of core header positions for a series of GFP frames from the data word. |
| US09276869B2 |
Dynamically selecting an identity provider for a single sign-on request
An identity provider (IdP) discovery service operative at a service provider (SP) is described. In operation, and as valid requests are received by the SP via normal IdP-initiated flows, the SP builds-up knowledge about the relationship between the IdP (that redirected the request) and the initiator of the request. The IdP instance typically is inferred from an HTTP referrer field, and information about the initiator may be ascertained from client-specific information, such as client system IP address, client DNS domain, a domain of a user e-mail address, a target URL for the incoming request, or the value associated with a particular HTTP header field. This knowledge is maintained in one or more mapping table(s) that associate request attributes-to-IdP instance data. The mappings are then used to facilitate IdP discovery for a new incoming request to the SP that has been determined to originate from other than an IdP. |
| US09276865B2 |
Method and system for I/O driven rate adaptation
Described is an I/O driven, feedback based rate control mechanism that allows a transfer session to self-adjust its transfer rate in response to the speed of the storage device at the destination. The described system may operate at the application layer, which makes cross-platform deployment an easier task. |
| US09276863B2 |
Traffic detection function based on usage based thresholds
Various exemplary embodiments relate to a method performed by a policy manager network node in a network, the method including: receiving accounting threshold information relating to an access session associated with an access node; receiving accounting network usage measurement message relating to the access session; determining that a total network usage of the access session exceeds a threshold; and sending a change of authorization message to the access node, wherein the change of authorization message limits a first type of network access, redirects a user of the access node, and allows a second type of network access to continue. |
| US09276855B1 |
Systems and methods for providing navigation filters
Systems and methods for providing navigation filters within content items distributed via a computer network are provided. A navigation filter includes a heading and a plurality of items associated with the heading and can function as a summary of a resource associated with a distributed content item. A described method includes receiving a request for content from a user device, selecting a content item in response to the request, identifying one or more navigation filters associated with the selected content item, generating display data including the selected content item and the one or more navigation filters, and providing the display data for presentation to the user device. |
| US09276854B2 |
Scaling egress network traffic
In an embodiment, a method is provided. The method of this embodiment provides generating one or more packets of data, the one or more packets of data being associated with a connection; and associating the one or more packets with one of a plurality of transmit queues based, at least in part, on the connection associated with the one or more packets. |
| US09276853B2 |
Hashing of network packet flows for efficient searching
The invention relates to a method and apparatus for efficient storing and retrieval of captured data packets. The packets are parsed to extract flow defining parameters such as source and destination addresses, the extracted addresses are hashed and the address hash numbers are reversibly combined, for example concatenated in a pre-defined order of their values to obtain a single hash index for a flow. The packets are then saved in a packet store in accordance and/or association with their hash index. The packets may be efficiently retrieved based on the two addresses or on a single network address. |
| US09276852B2 |
Communication system, forwarding node, received packet process method, and program
A communication system includes: a control apparatus setting a process rule defining a process content appropriate to a received packet in a forwarding node; and a forwarding node comprising a packet process unit processing a received packet in accordance with the process rule. The forwarding node further includes: a request unit transmitting a process rule setting request to the control apparatus if the received packet is a first packet for which the process rule is not set; and a restriction unit restricting transmission of the setting request for a second packet satisfying a condition obtained from the first packet. |
| US09276851B1 |
Parser and modifier for processing network packets
In a method of processing a packet header received via an input interface, a plurality of data units that collectively correspond to a header of a network packet is received. A location of a target field of the header in one or more data units among the plurality of data units is specified, and the one or more data units containing the target field are identified among the plurality of data units. The target field is processed using a local offset corresponding to the specified location of the target field in the identified one or more data units, without simultaneously storing all data units of the plurality of data units in a buffer. |
| US09276850B2 |
Packet processing device for IP-based information-centric network
Provided is a packet processing device for an information-centric network. The packet processing device includes a packet transceiver configured to transmit and receive packets, and a packet processing unit configured to process a transmitted or received packet including a forwarding identifier that identifies information present in the ICN and corresponds to an IP address of a network node holding the information, and at least one sub-identifier that identifies child information of the information, in which the forwarding identifier is used to forward packets. |
| US09276846B2 |
Packet extraction optimization in a network processor
A packet processor provides for rule matching of packets in a network architecture. The packet processor includes a lookup cluster complex having a number of lookup engines and respective on-chip memory units. The on-chip memory stores rules for matching against packet data. A lookup front-end receives lookup requests from a host, and processes these lookup requests to generate key requests for forwarding to the lookup engines. Based on information in the packet, the lookup front-end can optimize start times for sending key requests as a continuous stream with minimal delay. As a result of the rule matching, the lookup engine returns a response message indicating whether a match is found. |
| US09276845B2 |
Dynamic multi-path forwarding for shared-media communication networks
In one embodiment, a quality of one or more links of a particular node in a communication network may be determined, and then whether the quality of the one or more links is below a threshold may also be determined. In response to determining that the quality of at least one of the one or more links is above the threshold, a select one of the at least one of the one or more links with quality above the threshold may be utilized for communication with the particular node. Conversely, in response to determining that the quality of each of the one or more links is below the threshold, multi-path forwarding over a plurality of links of the particular node may be utilized for communication with the particular node. |
| US09276843B2 |
Virtual link aggregation extension (vLAG+) enabled in a trill-based fabric network
In one embodiment, a method for providing virtual link aggregation (vLAG) in a transparent interconnection of lots of links (TRILL)-enabled network, includes creating a virtual routing bridge logically connected to a first physical routing bridge and a second physical routing bridge to form a vLAG group at an edge of the TRILL-enabled network; determining a first distribution tree linking the first physical routing bridge to every other routing bridge in the TRILL-enabled network in a non-repeating fashion, ending with the second physical routing bridge; determining a second distribution tree linking the second physical routing bridge to every other routing bridge in the TRILL-enabled network in a non-repeating fashion, ending with the first physical routing bridge; receiving a multicast packet at the virtual routing bridge from one of the physical routing bridges; and distributing the multicast packet according to either the first or the second distribution tree thereby preventing looping. |
| US09276842B2 |
Methods and apparatus for routing using bifurcated network flows
Methods and apparatus are provided with improved routing techniques for bifurcated flows. Routing methods and apparatus are provided that obtain a fractional flow from a set of nodes to a given destination having a maximum load, L, on any link between a node in the set and the given destination; and generate a bifurcated flow between the set of nodes and the given destination from the fractional flow such that the maximum load on any link in the bifurcated flow does not exceed 2L, wherein the bifurcated flow allows a flow from a given node to be sent on at most two outgoing links. The fractional flow can be, for example, a fractional single-sink multicommodity flow. |
| US09276841B2 |
Adapting network control messaging for anycast reliant platforms
Some embodiments set forth a control message header rewriting methodology. Incoming packets are inspected to identify control messages. Each control message is then inspected to determine whether it originates from a client engaged in a session with a server or from an intermediary node along the path connecting the client and the server. The determination is predicated on a comparison of the addressing provided in the control message header and the addressing provided in the offending packet header, wherein the offending packet is the packet that triggers the intermediary node to issue the control message. If the addressing differs, the header addressing of control message is rewritten using the header addressing of the offending packet. Otherwise, a session table lookup is performed to identify which session the control message is directed to based in part on a hash of the control message header addressing. |
| US09276833B2 |
Path-ping and ECMP-traceroute for IPv6 overlay virtualized networks
In one embodiment, an ingress network virtualization edge (NVE) in a computer network generates an echo packet, and sets an indication in the echo packet that the echo packet is for overlay path validation. In addition, the ingress NVE sets a message type of the echo packet to a generic echo request, and includes virtualization network (VN) context information within the echo packet. Once setting a destination address of the echo packet as an egress NVE address and including an indication to the egress NVE that the echo packet is an operations, administration, and management (OAM) message, the ingress NVE may then send the echo packet toward the egress NVE (e.g., to validate the VN context information and/or to reveal multipath traces). |
| US09276830B2 |
Secure electronic element network
A secure network of electronic elements (“network”) ensures the electronic elements that implement an electronic device are functioning properly. The network selects at least one master electronic element to consistently check that each of the electronic elements are functioning properly. When the master electronic element identifies that an electronic element is not functioning properly, the network executes a predefined response, such as a counter measure that limits the functional capability of the improperly functioning electronic element or other electronic elements. Electronic elements can identify when a master electronic element is improperly functioning by observing that the master electronic element has ceased checking on the electronic elements. The secure network can then execute a response that includes the counter measure of limiting the functional capability of the improperly functioning master electronic element and assigning a new master electronic element. |
| US09276829B2 |
Transparently tracking provenance information in distributed data systems
Methods and systems for enabling an application to track provenance information include analyzing an application binary to discover injection points for provenance tracking code; overwriting instructions in the application binary at the injection points to create an instrumented application, where the overwritten instructions link the application binary to one or more instrumented libraries that invoke a provenance layer to track data operations; and deploying the instrumented application on a client device. |
| US09276827B2 |
Allocating computing resources based upon geographic movement
Embodiments described herein use APIs on network devices in a SDN enabled network to monitor the network traffic flowing through the network devices and determine an identity of the client initiating the network traffic. Specifically, the APIs provide a user application with user credentials, IP addresses, MAC addresses, and other identifying information mined from the network flows. Once the identity is found, the application may identify the client's current geographic location. The network devices may continue to monitor the network devices to identify any movement events associated with the client. In response to a movement event, the application may reallocate resources proximate to the new geographic location of the client. |
| US09276825B2 |
Single approach to on-premise and on-demand consumption of services
The present disclosure involves systems, software, and computer implemented methods for deployment of services independent of a particular deployment model. One process includes operations for receiving a selection for a user productivity service from a client device, the client device located in a corporate network. A request for a particular method of deployment of the user productivity service is received. At least a portion of the user productivity service is transmitted to the client device if the request is for on-demand deployment of the user productivity service. At least a portion of the user productivity service is transmitted to a server in the corporate network if the request is for on-premise deployment of the user productivity service. |
| US09276821B2 |
Graphical representation of classification of workloads
Technology is disclosed for graphically representing classification of workloads in a storage system. Workload classification is graphically represented to the user by mapping workload signatures of the workloads to a grid. When the workload signatures are mapped to the grid, a number of clusters are formed in the grid. Each of the clusters represents workloads of a particular category. Mapping the workload signature to the grid includes mapping a high-dimensionality workload signature vector to a low-dimensionality grid. |
| US09276819B2 |
Network traffic monitoring
A network traffic monitoring method includes generating packet information for packets destined for a target subnet. The method includes identifying network connections associated with an application running on a device based on socket activities performed by the application. The method further includes filtering out network traffic information between the application and the target subnet based on the identified network connections and the packet information. |
| US09276816B1 |
Resource management tools to create network containers and virtual machine associations
Provisioning of network containers provided as part of a cloud computing service. A network container defines a logical network topology to be hosted on a physical network infrastructure. One or more templates are populated using parameters and a network container profile associated with a requested network container. The requested network container is provisioned by translating the populated templates into a sequence of commands executed to configure the physical network infrastructure to host the requested network container. |
| US09276810B2 |
System and method of radio bearer management for multiple point transmission
A method for operating a multiple point transmission system is disclosed. The method includes reconfiguring the multiple point transmission system according to an updated configuration of an at least one radio bearer between an at least one transmission point and a terminal device, and communicating with the terminal device using the reconfigured multiple point transmission system. The configuration of the at least one radio bearer is updated according to operating condition information of the terminal device. |
| US09276806B2 |
Failover recovery methods with an edge component
Systems and/or methods may be used to handle failure of a HeNB/HNB, a SeGW, or an edge component. For example, actions may be performed by the edge component when a HeNB, a CGW, or a SeGW fails. The actions that may be performed when a SeGW may fail may include tearing down an IPSec tunnel to a HeNB connected to the edge component, using S1-AP signaling, a signaling interface (e.g., a connection management interface (CMI), an X2 interface, and/or a Sxx interface to inform the HeNB of the failure, and/or the like. The actions that may be performed when a HeNB may fail may include using S1-AP signaling and/or a signaling interface (e.g., a CMI) to inform a mobility management entity (MME) of the failure, and/or the like. |
| US09276805B2 |
Method for backing up link state advertisement
The present disclosure provides a method for backing up a link state advertisement (LSA) for use in a distributed device comprising a main control board and an interface board. The main control board comprises a primary board and a standby board. The method comprises: receiving by the standby board LSA related information sent by the primary board; and generating by the standby board an LSA according to the LSA related information. |
| US09276803B2 |
Role based translation of data
Methods for automatically generating a report in response to detecting performance and/or availability issues that occur throughout multiple layers of a networked computing environment based on a role of a target recipient of the report are described. In some embodiments, a failure graph may be generated by a root cause identification tool that aggregates data from a plurality of performance management tools monitoring the networked computing environment. The root cause identification tool may acquire a plurality of report templates, determine a first report template of the plurality of report templates based on the role associated with the target recipient, identify a set of variables or an ontology associated with the first report template, assign values to the set of variables using the failure graph, generate a first report based on the first report template, and output the first report to the target recipient. |
| US09276801B2 |
Switch module
A switching module can route packets between a network fabric and a local network, both of which form a closed network such as a vehicular network. The switching module provides local network management functions, and handles packet transfers between the local network and the network fabric. The switching module uses network information, which can include information about packet content type and network topology, to determine a packet's priority, and an appropriate switching protocol to use for processing and routing packets. |
| US09276796B2 |
Method and processing arrangement for joint processing of uplink data
The invention relates to a method for joint processing of uplink data (g(n), s(n)) transmitted from at least one user equipment (UE1, UE2) to a plurality of coordinated reception points (BSA, BSB) of a wireless communication system (1), the method comprising: estimating and preferably compensating for individual propagation delays of the uplink data (g(n), s(n)) transmitted from one of the user equipments (UE1, UE2) to the coordinated reception points (BSA, BSB), and compensating a timing difference between a propagation delay of a coordinated reception point (BSA, BSB) which serves the user equipment (UE1, UE2) and at least one propagation delay of at least one coordinated reception point (BSB, BSA) which does not serve the user equipment (UE1, UE2) for performing the joint processing of the uplink data (g(n), s(n)), wherein the step of compensating the timing difference comprises modifying a channel matrix (H) associated with uplink channels from the at least one user equipment (UE1, UE2) to the coordinated reception points (BSA, BSB). The invention also relates to a processing arrangement (BSA, BSB, 2) adapted for performing the method. |
| US09276791B2 |
Method and apparatus for transmitting PLCP frame in wireless local area network system
A method of transmitting a Physical Layer Convergence Procedure (PLCP) frame in a Very High Throughput (VHT) Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) system includes generating a MAC Protocol Data Unit (MPDU) to be transmitted to a destination station (STA), generating a PLCP Protocol Data Unit (PPDU) by adding a PLCP header, including an L-SIG field containing control information for a legacy STA and a VHT-SIG field containing control information for a VHT STA, to the MPDU, and transmitting the PPDU to the destination STA. A constellation applied to some of Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplex (OFDM) symbols of the VHT-SIG field is obtained by rotating a constellation applied to an OFDM symbol of the L-SIG field. |
| US09276789B2 |
Demodulator for frequency-shift keyed signals by using the Goertzel algorithm
Exemplary embodiments relates to a demodulator for frequency-shift keyed signals by using the Goertzel algorithm according to the general recursive calculating rule, where c re = 2 * cos ( 2 * π * f g f s ) with the sampling frequency fs and the specified frequency fg. To reduce the mathematical complexity in feed-power-limited devices, it is proposed that the sampling frequency fs is an integral multiple of the frequency fg of a specified discrete spectral component. |
| US09276785B2 |
Waveform equalization apparatus
A waveform equalization apparatus includes an A/D converter, a waveform equalizer, a training sequence generator, a clock recovery circuit, multiple matched filters, and a clock optimization logic. The A/D converter oversamples a reception signal in synchronization with a base clock signal and generates an A/D converted data sequence. The waveform equalizer performs an arithmetic operation to equalize a waveform. The training sequence generator generates a data sequence for training. The data sequence for training is used instead of an output data of the detector so as to converge a coefficient used in the arithmetic operation in advance. The clock recovery circuit supplies the base clock signal without executing a clock recovery operation during a training period, and executes the clock recovery operation according to the output data of the detector. The matched filters receive the A/D converted data sequence, and execute a filter arithmetic operation. |
| US09276783B2 |
Uplink transmission mode switching in single user multiple-input communication
There is provided switching of an uplink transmission mode. The switching includes manipulating an uplink transmission method and precoding of a demodulation reference signal. The switching may also include utilizing control signaling in indicating to a user terminal that the mode of uplink transmission is to be switched, for example. |
| US09276776B2 |
Methods and apparatus for bandwidth management within a media over internet protocol network based on a session description
In one embodiment, a method includes receiving a request to establish at least a portion of a media session between a session exchange device and a network entity based on at least a portion of a session description. The session exchange device and the network entity being associated with a media over internet protocol (MoIP) network. The method includes receiving an indicator at the session exchange device that the portion of the session description is not associated with a predefined data-transfer-rate value. A request for a user-defined data-transfer-rate value is sent in response to the indicator. |
| US09276774B2 |
Visualizing and modifying ad-hoc network nodes
A method of managing a network including a plurality of nodes. The nodes are displayed, in a pictorial display, relative to a current geographic location of the nodes. The method includes modifying, via the display and via the network, one or more capabilities of one of the nodes. The node is an ad-hoc node. This method can improve network management flexibility, asset utilization, resource sharing, and load leveling. |
| US09276771B1 |
Lossless multipath table compression
Exemplary embodiments provide compression of data that will be saved to a multipath table for a given set of routing rules. Thus, the total space required in the multipath table for storing a given set of routing rules is reduced. A routing rule associated with a network switch may be represented using a building block that includes one or more entries. The one or more entries form an unordered enumeration of egress ports of the network switch. In the routing rule, the weight of an egress port is represented by the number of times the egress port appears in the building block. Compression of data may be accomplished by combining one or more of the routing rules into a same building block having one or more entries. The building block may be stored in the multipath table, hereby programming the one or more of the rules into the multipath table. |
| US09276767B2 |
Ring node, an ethernet ring and methods for loop protection in an ethernet ring
According to embodiments of the invention, a first ring node is arranged to protect against loops in an Ethernet ring by performing Ethernet ring protection (ERP) according to an Ethernet ring protection protocol (ERP) standard. The first ring node is located directly adjacent to at least one second ring node in the Ethernet ring which is not configured to perform ERP according to the same ERP protocol standard. The first ring node is configured to, upon detection of a link failure or recovery event in the Ethernet ring resulting in a flush operation of the filtering database (FDB) in the first ring node in accordance with the ERP protocol standard, send a message to the at least one second ring node which is operable to cause said at least one second ring node to perform a flush operation of its filtering database (FDB). Embodiments of the invention also include an Ethernet ring, a broadband communications network and methods for use in the first ring node and in the Ethernet ring. |
| US09276766B2 |
Display calibration systems and related methods
Display calibration systems and related methods are disclosed that use photo-sensitivity of LEDs to correct for variations between LEDs during initial production and over lifetime for display systems. The display devices include arrays of LEDs and use photo-sensitivity of the LEDs to correct for variations between LEDs. Such LED arrays can produce images directly as in LED billboards and sports arena scoreboards, and smaller Organic LED (OLED) displays, or can produce the backlight for LCD screens for instance. Variations in LED brightness and color can be compensated for in order for such a display to have uniform color and brightness. This compensation is performed in the embodiments disclosed by measuring the signal induced on each LED by uniform incident light as a measurement of the photo-sensitivity of the LEDs. |
| US09276761B2 |
Method and apparatus for group media consumption
A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a set-top box comprising a controller to send an invite for participation in a media conference to at least one media device, the media conference comprising a presentation of a media program supplied by an interactive television (iTV) network, receive an acceptance of the invite from at least one accepting media device of the at least one media device, connect the at least one accepting media device to a communications bridge operably coupled to the STB, wherein the communications bridge enables the STB and the at least one accepting media device to engage in one of voice, video, and synthesized speech to text communications, and present the media program with at least a portion of the communications between the STB and the at least one accepting media device during the media conference. Other embodiments are disclosed. |
| US09276760B2 |
Directed route load/store packets for distributed switch initialization
Techniques for transmitting a packet from a source switch module to a destination switch module. Embodiments retrieve path information specifying a route to the destination switch module. A packet is created that includes (i) at least a portion of the path information and (ii) a set of load/store operations to be executed by the destination switch module. Embodiments then transmit the packet to a first switch module using a first port, the first port specified in the retrieved path information. The first switch module is configured to transmit the packet based on the at least a portion of the path information in the packet, and the destination switch module is configured, upon receiving the packet, to copy the set of load/store operations into an execution buffer to be automatically executed. |
| US09276759B2 |
Monitoring of computer network resources having service level objectives
In a typical computer network, at least some of the managed resources are monitored to determine whether those resources are meeting predetermined performance goals or service level objectives. To simplify the process of configuring a network monitor, information about the service level objectives is loaded into the resource itself. When the resource is detected, the service level objective information is extracted from the resource information and made available to a translating engine. The translating engine converts the extracted information to monitoring directions that are used to configure the network monitor. Embodiments in which new resources are detected either buying a registration process or a polling process are described. |
| US09276757B1 |
Generating viral metrics
A method performed by one or more processing devices includes transmitting, to a first client device, content items, wherein one of the content items is selected by a user of the first client device; receiving, from a second client device, information indicative of a selection, by a user of the second client device, of a reference in a social networking system to a resource associated with the selected content item; wherein the user of the first client device has a social connection in the social networking system to the user of the second client device; and generating, based on the information received, one or more viral metrics for the selected content item. |
| US09276754B1 |
Key rotation with external workflows
A material set, such as an asymmetric keypair, is processed using an associated workflow to prepare the material set for activation and/or use. In one embodiment, a material set is generated and information about the material set is communicated to a workflow manager. Based at least on the information, the workflow manager generates a workflow that when accomplished will allow the material set to be activated and/or used. In another embodiment, a service provider provides a key manager, workflow manager and destination for the key, such as a load balancer that terminates SSL connections. A key can be generated by the key manager, sent through the workflow manager for processing (potentially communicated to third parties such as a certificate authority, if needed) and installed at a destination. |
| US09276748B2 |
Data-encrypting method and decrypting method for a mobile phone
Disclosed is a cell phone data encryption method, which comprises the steps of obtaining a PIN code which is input by a user, obtaining a SIM card code from a SIM card according to the PIN code, and combining the PIN code with the SIM card code to form a password string; and encryption source data using the password string, so as to obtain encrypted data. Also provided is a cell phone data encryption method. Through the manner mentioned above, the technical solution provided in the present invention can protect cell phone data. |
| US09276745B2 |
Preserving image privacy when manipulated by cloud services
An apparatus and method for preserving image privacy when manipulated by cloud services includes middleware for receiving an original image, splitting the original image into two sub-images, where the RGB pixel values of the sub-images have a bit value that is less than RGB pixel values of the original image. The sub-images are encrypted by adding a keystream to the RGB pixel values of the sub-images. The sub-image data is transmitted to a cloud service such as a social network or photo-sharing site, which manipulate the images by resizing, cropping, filtering, or the like. The sub-image data is received by the middleware and is successfully decrypted irrespective of the manipulations performed by the cloud services. In an alternative embodiment, the blocks of the original image are permutated when encrypted, and then reverse-permutated when decrypted. |
| US09276744B2 |
Image data processing device and image data processing program
A user key storage unit stores at least one user key corresponding to usage authorities of image data. A first encryption unit encrypts the image data using a first encryption key. A second encryption key creation unit creates a second encryption key assigned to each usage authority. A key-storage data creation unit creates a key-storage data for each usage authority by encrypting the first encryption key and authority information using the second encryption key. A user-supplementary data creation unit creates user-supplementary data for each user key. A device-supplementary data creation unit creates device-supplementary data for at least one usage authority and for at least one device key. A data output unit outputs encrypted image data with the key-storage data, the user-supplementary data and the device-supplementary data. |
| US09276743B2 |
Probabilistic key distribution in vehicular networks with infrastructure support
Method and system of key distribution by trusted nodes for a vehicular ad hoc network, the nodes of said network having at least one pair of public-private keys and the corresponding certificates, issued by a CA, said method comprising each vehicle node, on entering said network region, requesting a set of keys from an RSU node that is within range and within that region, said RSU node sending said vehicle node a set of private keys, selected from a pool of private keys, and a list with the key identifiers of the private keys shared by said vehicle node and the other vehicle nodes that have most recently contacted said RSU for a predetermined period of time; such that two nodes are able to establish a secure connection without further interaction by deriving a shared secret which is a cryptographic hash function of the keys shared by said two nodes. |
| US09276739B2 |
Method and apparatus for encrypting/decrypting data
A method of encrypting data using a first key and multiple encryption keys at least in part based on the first key. The method includes encoding the data into a redundant representation by distributing the information content of the data among a number of groups, each group being associated with a respective encryption key of the multiple encryption keys, each encryption key being associated with at least one group, the redundant representation allowing recovery of the data in the absence of the groups associated with the at least one of the multiple encryption keys, and encrypting each group by the respective associated encryption key. |
| US09276737B2 |
Securing a command path between a vehicle and personal wireless device
A system and a method using that system is provided for establishing a secure communication channel between a vehicle and a mobile device. The method may include providing at least one unique mobile device identifier and at least one unique vehicle telematics unit identifier associated with the mobile device identifier to a call center. At least one of the two identifiers may be provided to a wireless service provider. Two private keys may be generated—a first private key based on the at least one unique mobile identifier and a second private key based on the at least one unique vehicle telematics unit identifier. The first private key may be provided to the mobile device within a first cryptographic envelope signed with a first cryptographic key. And the second private key may be provided to the vehicle telematics unit within a second cryptographic envelope signed with a second cryptographic key. |
| US09276731B2 |
N-phase signal transition alignment
System, methods and apparatus are described that facilitate transmission of data, particularly between two devices within an electronic apparatus. Information is transmitted in N-phase polarity encoded symbols. Drivers may be adapted or configured to align state transitions on two or more connectors in order to minimize a transition period between consecutive symbols. The drivers may include circuits that advance or delay certain transitions. The drivers may include pre-emphasis circuits that operate to drive the state of a connector for a portion of the transition period, even when the connector is transitioned to an undriven state. |
| US09276727B2 |
Method for allocating physical hybrid automatic repeat request indicator channel
A method for transmitting acknowledgement/negative acknowledgement (ACK/NACK) signals by an apparatus in a wireless communication system is discussed. The method includes spreading ACK/NACKs using spreading codes of a spreading factor, the spreading factor being one of a spreading factor 2 and a spreading factor 4; and transmitting each of the one or more physical hybrid ARQ indicator channel (PHICH) groups through a plurality of units of four resource elements, each PHICH group carrying one or more spread ACK/NACKs, wherein the number of PHICH groups for she spreading factor 2 is determined as twice of the number of PHICH groups for the spreading factor 4. |
| US09276726B2 |
Transmissions/receptions of uplink acknowledgement signals in wireless networks
An apparatus for use in a wireless communication network includes a UE configured to communicate with a plurality of serving cells with at least a first serving cell and a second serving cell. The UE is configured to operate in at least two carrier frequencies. The UE includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to detect one or more scheduling assignments for receiving one or more respective PDSCHs from a respective one or more of the plurality of serving cells. The processing circuitry is also configured to receive the one or more PDSCHs from the respective one or more of the plurality of serving cells based on the one or more scheduling assignments. The processing circuitry is further configured to transmit HARQ-ACK information on a PUCCH in response to receiving the one or more PDSCHs. The processing circuitry is configured to utilize first and second power control loops. |
| US09276714B2 |
Method for signalling a precoding in a cooperative beamforming transmission mode
The present invention relates to a method for operating a secondary station in a network, the secondary station comprising a transceiver adapted for simultaneously receiving transmissions from a primary station controlling a first cell and at least one primary station controlling a second cell, the method comprising the secondary station (a) selecting a first precoding matrix for the first cell out a primary set of precoding matrices for the first cell, (b) selecting a subset of at least one precoding matrix for the at least one second cell in dependence on the first precoding matrix, out of a set of subsets of precoding matrices for the second cell, (c) selecting a second precoding matrix for the at least one second cell out of the selected subset of precoding matrices for the second cell, (d) transmitting a first indicator representative of the first precoding matrix. |
| US09276713B2 |
Method and apparatus for time and spatial utilization of a high power base station cell spectrum by a small cell
Aspects of the methods and apparatus relate to exploiting the spectrum of a high power base station cell to provide higher capacity in a wireless communication system. Generally, a small cell with multi-carrier support may detect an absence of high power base station cell coverage or absence of high power base station cell users and may harness the high power base station cell carrier spectrum to provide higher data download rates and/or serve more mobility users. Specifically, aspects of the methods and apparatus include transmitting a first signal on a first carrier from a first access point and determining a current ability of a second access point on a second carrier. Thereafter, aspects of the methods and apparatus include transmitting a second signal on the second carrier from the first access point according to the determined current ability of the second access point. |
| US09276711B2 |
Communication method and apparatus in a multi-carrier system
Disclosed are a multi-carrier supporting method and apparatus. A terminal receives information on at least one allocated component carrier from among a plurality of component carriers from a base station, and receives activation control information on an active component carrier that is activated from among the at least one allocated component carrier via a downlink control channel. The terminal transmits a reception acknowledgement for the activation control information via an uplink control channel. |
| US09276704B1 |
Maximum likelihood sequence detection in the phase domain
A wireless device, and corresponding method, having a receiver configured to receive a signal having in-phase and quadrature components; a non-linear filter demodulator configured to translate noncoherently the in-phase and quadrature components into a phase domain signal; a coherence acquisition unit configured to estimate and correct at least one coherence parameter based on the in-phase and quadrature components and the phase domain signal; and a detector configured to detect information in the phase domain signal. |
| US09276703B2 |
Impulse and/or burst noise signal to noise ratio (SNR) aware concatenated forward error correction (FEC)
Impulse and/or burst noise signal to noise ratio (SNR) aware concatenated forward error correction (FEC). Adaptive processing is performed on a signal based on one or more effects which may deleteriously modify a signal. For example, based on a modification of a signal to noise ratio (SNR) associated with one or more impulse or burst noise events, which may be estimated, different respective processing may be performed selectively to differently affected bits associated with the signal. For example, two respective SNRs may be employed: a first SNR for one or more first bits, and a second SNR for one or more second bits. For example, as an impulse or burst noise event may affect different respective bits of a codeword differently, and adaptive processing may be made such that different respective bits of the codeword may be handled differently. |
| US09276702B2 |
Apparatus and method for transmitting and receiving an application layer-forward error correction packet in multimedia communication system
A method is provided for transmitting an Application Layer-Forward Error Correction (AL-FEC) packet by an AL-FEC packet transmission apparatus in a multimedia communication system. AL-FEC packets are generated. The AL-FEC packets are transmitted to an AL-FEC packet reception apparatus. Each of the AL-FEC packets includes an AL-FEC codeword symbol and an AL-FEC header, and the AL-FEC codeword symbol is one of AL-FEC codeword symbols included in an AL-FEC codeword block. The AL-FEC header includes order information indicating an order of an AL-FEC codeword symbol into which the AL-FEC header is inserted among the AL-FEC codeword symbols included in the AL-FEC codeword block. |
| US09276698B2 |
Determining hybrid ARQ indicators
A system and method may provide user equipment (UE)-implemented inter-cell interference mitigation. In some implementations, a method in a user equipment for Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) indicator determination includes separating received Physical HARQ Indicator Channel (PHICH) modulation symbols into two data streams: (1) PHICH modulation symbols including interference from Cell-specific Reference Symbol (CRS) transmissions, and (2) PHICH modulation symbols including substantially no interference from the CRS transmissions. The UE separately evaluates the PHICH modulation symbols including interference and the PHICH modulation symbols including substantially no interference. The UE determines a Hybrid ARQ indicator based upon a combination of the separate evaluations of the PHICH modulation symbols including interference and the PHICH modulation symbols including substantially no interference. |
| US09276694B2 |
Fault recovery in branched optical networks
A system and method for fault recovery in a branched optical network. In response to a fault, power distribution in channels on recovering digital line segments is adjusted to minimize a merit function based on one or more system parameters. |
| US09276689B2 |
Pluggable packet master clock
Apparatus for providing timing information, the apparatus comprising: a primary reference time clock (PRTC) that provides a reference time of day (ToD) and a reference frequency; a packet master clock that receives the ToD and reference frequency and is configured to distribute timing to a slave clock in accordance with a timing over packet procedure responsive to the ToD and the reference frequency; and a housing that houses the PRTC and packet master clock which may be plugged into a conventional small form factor (SFP) compliant cage to connect the packet master clock to a packet switched network (PSN). |
| US09276684B2 |
Efficient means of broadcast and relaying information between wireless terminals
A method, an apparatus, and a computer program product for wireless communication are provided. The apparatus may receive broadcast information related to a second UE from a third UE, relay the broadcast information and identifier information to a set of UEs, determine whether each UE in the set of UEs has received the broadcast information based on whether the identifier information is received from each UE in the set of UEs, and refrain from relaying the broadcast information upon determining that each UE in the set of UEs has received the broadcast information. In another aspect, the apparatus may receive broadcast information related to a second UE and a tag associated with the broadcast information from a third UE, relay the tag without the broadcast information to a set of UEs, receive a request for broadcast information from a third UE in the set of UEs, and relay the broadcast information to the third UE. In an aspect, the first, second and third UEs may be the same UE. In another aspect, the second and third UEs but not the first UE may be the same UE. |
| US09276683B2 |
Load estimation in wireless communication
A method for noise rise estimation in a wireless communication system comprises measuring of received total wideband power a plurality of times and computing an estimate of a noise floor measure based on a number of the measured received total wideband powers. An interference whitening is performed based on one of GRAKE, GRAKE−and chip equalizer. A useful signal power for the first user after interference whitening is determined. A first user noise floor compensation factor is derived based on combining weights for the first user used in the interference whitening. A code power to interference ratio measure for said first user is obtained. A noise rise measure is calculated, based at least on the useful signal power for the first user after interference whitening, the first user noise floor compensation factor, the code power to interference ratio measure for the first user and the noise floor measure. |
| US09276675B2 |
Apparatus and method for transferring an optical signal in a wireless visible light communication system
A wireless visible light communication system is provided. The system includes optical transmitters and optical receivers for receiving optical signals, wherein each of the optical transmitters includes a first light source for generating an optical signal, and at least one light source capable of generating light which has a color equal to that of the optical signal, and has a wavelength different from that of the optical signal. |
| US09276674B2 |
Estimating phase using test phases and interpolation for modulation formats using multiple sub-carriers
An optical receiver may receive input signals carried by sub-carriers, and may apply test phases to each input signal. The optical receiver may determine error values, associated with test phases, for each input signal. The optical receiver may calculate updated metric values, associated with the test phases, for a particular input signal, based on a first error value and a second error value. The first error value may be associated with a first sub-carrier, and the second error value may be associated with a second sub-carrier. The optical receiver may compare the updated metric values associated with the particular input signal, and may determine a test phase that represents an estimated phase, associated with the particular input signal, based on the comparison. The optical receiver may determine a phase estimate value based on the test phase, and may provide the phase estimate value to modify the particular input signal. |
| US09276673B2 |
Methods and systems for testing a fiber optic network
The present disclosure relates to a method for testing a fiber optic network including a fiber distribution hub. The method includes providing a test splitter within the fiber distribution hub to provide optical connectivity between an F1 fiber and at least a portion of an F2 fiber network. The method also includes testing sending a test signal from the F1 fiber through the test splitter to the F2 fiber network, and replacing the test splitter after testing has been completed. |
| US09276667B2 |
Systems and methods for wireless audio conferencing
Systems and methods for wireless audio conferencing are described herein. In one embodiment, a wireless audio conferencing system is provided that includes a base unit configured to interface with a plurality of external communication systems, one or more wireless speakers, one or more wireless microphones, a handset configured to wirelessly control the base unit, and a charger tray separate from the base unit and configured to removably store and recharge the one or more wireless speakers, the one or more wireless microphones, and the handset. The one or more wireless speakers and the one or more wireless microphones are configured to communicate with the base unit to provide audio conferencing between a plurality of users. The systems and methods described herein can provide a high quality and adaptable audio conferencing system for use with a variety of communications systems. |
| US09276666B1 |
Methods and systems for suppressing tune away of mobile stations
A wireless-communication system includes a first network and a second network (e.g., an EV-DO network and a 1xRTT network, respectively). A wireless-communication-system entity determines that a mobile station is engaged in a first type of communication (e.g., a voice call) via the first network. In response to making the determination, the entity configures the second network to send second-network data (e.g., 1xRTT page messages) to the mobile station via an inter-network connection interface. |
| US09276663B2 |
Layer-2 connectivity from switch to access node/gateway
Methods, systems, and apparatuses for providing layer-2 connectivity through a non-routed ground segment network, are described. A system includes a non-autonomous gateway in communication with a satellite configured to relay data packets. The non-autonomous gateway is configured to receive the data packets from the satellite at layer-1 (LI) of the OSI-model, generate a plurality of virtual tagging tuples within the layer-2 packet headers of the plurality of data packets. The non-autonomous gateway is further configured to transmit, at layer-2 (L2) of the OSI-model, the virtually tagged data packets. Each of the packets may include a virtual tagging tuple and an entity destination. The system further includes a L2 switch in communication with the non-autonomous gateway. The L2 switch may be configured to receive the data packets and transmit the data packets to the entity based on the virtual tuples associated with each of the data packets. |
| US09276662B2 |
Method and apparatus for handing over mobile cell
The present invention relates to a wireless communication system, and more particularly, to a method and an apparatus for performing a handover related to a mobile cell. A method for a user equipment handing over a mobile relay, according to one embodiment of the present invention, can comprise a step of reporting to a serving base station information on the state of the user equipment with respect to the mobile relay handover, and a step of handing over the mobile relay based on a handover command by the serving base station, the handover being determined based on the state of the user equipment. As a result, a way for efficiently and accurately performing the handover related to the mobile cell can be provided. |
| US09276660B2 |
Control apparatus, control method, and wireless communication system
A control apparatus in a wireless communication system including a base station, a plurality of relay stations, and a plurality of terminals, each of the plurality of relay stations being configured to relay wireless signals between the base station and the plurality of terminals, the control apparatus including: a memory, and a processor coupled to the memory and configured to determine relay schedules based on first information associated with first path losses between any pair of the plurality of relay stations, each of the relay schedules defining each of relay periods for each of the plurality of relay stations relaying the wireless signals, and transmit each of the relay schedules to each of the plurality of relay stations respectively. |
| US09276655B2 |
Transmission of symbols in a MIMO environment using Alamouti based codes
A method for transmitting data in a multiple-input-multiple-output space-time coded communication using a mapping table mapping a plurality of symbols defining the communication to respective antennae from amongst a plurality of transmission antennae and to at least one other transmission resource. The mapping table may comprise Alamouti-coded primary segments and may also comprise secondary segments, comprising primary segments. The primary segments in the secondary segments may be defined in accordance to an to Alamouti based code pattern applied at the segment level to define a segment-level Alamouti based code. |
| US09276652B2 |
Wireless communication system and wireless communication method
A wireless communication system includes a first wireless station including antenna elements, transmission units corresponding to the antenna elements, and a transmission directivity control unit that controls transmission directivity of the antenna elements, and second wireless stations each including a reception power measurement unit that measures a reception power. The transmission directivity control unit determines the transmission directivity of each of the antenna elements so that a signal does not reach a particular second wireless station among the second wireless stations. The transmission units generate wireless signals using the transmission directivity. The antenna elements transmit the generated wireless signals. The reception power measurement unit measures the reception power in a period that is set so that a signal does not reach the particular second wireless station by using the directivity, and detect the presence or absence of interference caused by the low accuracy of channel information. |
| US09276649B2 |
Transmit power allocation for adaptive multi-carrier multiplexing MIMO systems
The present invention relates to transmit power allocation in multi-carrier, multiplexing MIMO communication systems. The present invention especially relates to a MIMO communication device, a method of assigning transmit power to two or more communication channels and a software program product. A multiple-input-multiple-output, MIMO, communication device according to the present invention comprises a link controller adapted to assign transmit power to two or more transmission channels, each of said transmission channels having preassigned a portion of transmit power for each of a group of subcarriers, said link controller being further adapted to assign, for each subcarrier of said group of subcarriers, at least part of the preassigned transmit power portion of a transmission channel that is not used for transmitting information at the subcarrier, to one or more transmission channels that are used for transmitting information at the subcarrier. |
| US09276644B2 |
System having a boundary conductor unit and an independent mobile unit
A system has a boundary conductor unit, which is intended to emit a boundary signal, and an at least partially independent mobile unit, which is intended to detect a boundary provided by the boundary conductor unit by means of cross-correlation. It is proposed that the mobile unit has at least one receiving unit which is intended to receive data transmitted by means of the boundary signal. |
| US09276641B2 |
Wireless power transmission method for preventing frequency interference
The present invention relates to a wireless power transmission method for preventing frequency interference, and more particularly, to a wireless power transmitter and a wireless power transmission method for preventing frequency interference that flexibly controls an operation of the wireless power transmitter in order to avoid signal interference and collision between different apparatuses using frequencies adjacent to a frequency band of a power signal transmitted from the wireless power transmitter. |
| US09276636B2 |
Adaptive modulation system and method to minimize energy consumption
A communication device includes a modulating component, a transmitting component and a controlling component. The modulating component generates a first modulated packet and a second modulated packet. The first modulated packet is based on a first modulation scheme and the second modulated packet is based on a second modulation scheme. The first modulation scheme has a first amount of energy associated therewith, and the second modulation scheme has a second amount of energy associated therewith. The first amount of energy is less than the second amount of energy. The transmitting component generates a transmit packet based on one of the first modulated packet and the second modulated packet. The controlling component generates a control signal to instruct the modulating component to generate the first modulated packet when the transmit packet will be less than a predetermined threshold. The threshold is based on the first amount of energy. |
| US09276635B2 |
Device, system, and method for communicating with a power inverter using power line communications
A device, system, and method for communicating with a power inverter of an array of inverters includes transmitting a relay message from an inverter array controller to a relay inverter in response to failing to receive a response from at least one power inverter of the array. The relay inverter is configured to retransmit a message from the inverter array controller to a non-responsive power inverter of the array of inverters in response to receiving the relay message. The relay inverter may subsequently retransmit a reply received from the non-responsive power inverter to the inverter array controller or to another power inverter of the array of inverters. |
| US09276633B2 |
Power line communication control system adapted for single-wire and method thereof
A power line communication control system adapted for single-wire and method thereof are provided in the present invention. The power line communication control method adapted for single-wire includes: receiving a AC voltage from a AC power wire, wherein each period of the AC voltage includes a positive half cycle and a negative half cycle to form a sinusoidal AC signal; and adjusting the positive half cycle and the negative half cycle of the sinusoidal AC signal according to a digital data to be transmit to a load circuit. The step of adjusting the positive half cycle and the negative half cycle of the sinusoidal AC signal includes removing a first component of the positive half cycle of the sinusoidal AC signal and a second component of the negative half cycle of the sinusoidal AC signal to obtain a phase cutting signal. When the digital data is a first logic, the positive half cycle of the phase cutting signal is equal to the negative half cycle of the phase cutting signal. When the digital data is a second logic, the positive half cycle of the phase cutting signal is not equal to the negative half cycle of the phase cutting signal. |
| US09276632B2 |
Analog signal diversity in multichannel communications
A multichannel communications medium may have two or more channels available for transmitting information. A first transmission signal and a second transmission signal may be prepared from a same analog signal to be transmitted on a first channel and a second channel. For example, a phase shift or amplitude shift may be performed on the first transmission signal or the second transmission signal. The first transmission signal may be transmitted via the first channel, and the second transmission signal may be transmitted via the second channel. The phase shift or amplitude shift may be performed by analog components that are less complex than digital signal processors used for digital signal diversity. The analog components may be digitally controlled. The analog signal diversity may utilize cost effective analog components to improve the performance of the communications system over single channel communications without requiring complex digital signal processing of multiple signal paths. |
| US09276631B2 |
Power line communication device transmitting at differing power levels in same communication
A power-line communications (PLC) device communicates with a second PLC device via a PLC medium and includes a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter transmits a Request to Send (RTS) communication to the second PLC device at a first power level. The receiver receives a Clear to Send (CTS) communication from the second PLC device. The transmitter transmits data to the second PLC device at a second power level that is less than the first power level. The transmitter transmits a TDM frame to the second PLC device that includes a preamble and header transmitted at a first power level and at least one special data symbol and a payload transmitted at a second power level that is less than the first power level. The special data symbol resides between the preamble or header and the payload and is usable by the second PLC device for processing of the payload. |
| US09276629B2 |
Rake receiver circuit and method for operating a rake receiver circuit
A method of operating a Rake receiver circuit includes determining a first property of a first signal received over a dedicated channel and over a first transmission path. The method further includes determining a delay profile of a second signal and determining, on the basis of the delay profile and the first property, if the first transmission path is to be assigned to a Rake finger of the Rake receiver circuit. |
| US09276627B2 |
Leafing leather cover of cellular phone and smart phone using the same
A leafing leather cover of cellular phone and a smart phone using the same are described. The leafing leather cover of cellular phone includes a leather cover wherein the leather cover is connected to a rear shell body of the smart phone by way of a micro-buckling connection portion, a clasping portion is disposed on the micro-buckling connection portion, the clasping portion adapts to the clasping hole in the rear shell body, and the clasping portion is embedded to a clasping ring in the clasping hole. The present invention employs the leafing leather cover to be easily disassembled and to be conveniently cleaned. |
| US09276626B2 |
Housing for encasing a tablet computer
An apparatus and a system for housing a device are described. The apparatus includes a housing that is configured such that a device may be fitted within the housing and thereby be protected, such as from shocks and/or liquid. The housing may include top and bottom members that may be removably coupled together so as to form the housing. Each top and bottom member includes a perimeter portion. The perimeter is defined by proximal and distal ends as well as opposing sides. The top and bottom members may include respective clasping mechanisms that extend along the perimeter of the top and bottom members and may be configured for engaging a third clasping mechanism, such as a locking comb or wedge feature. The clasping mechanisms are configured for coupling the top and bottom members with one another thereby sealing the housing, for instance, in a shock-proof and/or water tight seal. |
| US09276625B2 |
Wireless charger circuit and method
A charging system for a mobile device includes a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter includes (a) a first interface to a power source; (b) a second interface to the receiver; (c) a polarity detection circuit for detecting polarities of the; and (d) first and second switches controlled by the polarity detection circuit, wherein each switch selectively connects a terminal of the first interface to a terminal of the second interface. The receiver includes: (a) a first interface; (b) a second interface coupled to a device to be charged; and (c) a connection circuit between a terminal of the first interface and a terminal of the second interface, wherein the connection circuit is conductive when the voltage across these terminals is of a first polarity, and a second polarity otherwise. |
| US09276623B2 |
Cost effective multiband RF front-end architecture for mobile applications
One embodiment of the present invention provides an RF front-end system. The RF front-end system includes one or more RF front-end components and a programmable logic device, which has a baseband interface for coupling to a baseband digital signal processor (DSP), and a set of component interfaces for coupling to the one ore more RF front-end components. The programmable logic device is configured to: receive, from the baseband DSP via the baseband interface, a command which includes an address and a control signal; identify a component interface from the set of component interfaces based on the address; and send the control signal to the identified component interface, thereby enabling the baseband DSP to control a front-end component coupled to the programmable logic device via the identified component interface. |
| US09276622B2 |
Local oscillator (LO) generator with multi-phase divider and phase locked loop
Techniques for generating a local oscillator (LO) signal are disclosed. In one design, an apparatus includes an oscillator, a divider, and a phase locked loop (PLL). The oscillator receives a control signal and provides an oscillator signal having a frequency determined by the control signal. The divider receives the oscillator signal and generates multiple divided signals of different phases. The PLL receives a reference signal and a selected divided signal and generates the control signal for the oscillator. The divider is powered on and off periodically and wakes up in one of multiple possible states, with each state being associated with a different phase of the selected divided signal. Phase continuity of the selected divided signal is ensured by using the divider in a feedback loop with the PLL. The PLL locks the selected divided signal to the reference signal, and the selected divided signal has continuous phase due to the reference signal having continuous phase. |
| US09276619B1 |
Dynamic configuration of modulation and demodulation
A modulator and demodulator pair may switch configurations without introducing errors as a result of the switch. Different configurations may, for example, correspond to different symbol rates and/or different amounts of controlled inter-symbol interference (ISI) introduced to the transmitted signal. For example, a first configuration may use be a near-zero ISI configuration (e.g., using Nyquist signaling) and a second configuration may introduce a significant (e.g., amount that would result in errors above a desired threshold if demodulation relied on symbol-by-symbol slicing) but controlled amount of ISI (e.g., using partial response or faster-than-Nyquist-rate signaling). Switching between modulator/demodulator configurations may be needed to maintain a stable link in the case of dynamic channels. At any given time, a modulator and demodulator pair may, for example, switch to a configuration that provides maximal throughput for the current channel conditions. |
| US09276615B1 |
Superconducting multi-bit digital mixer
A superconducting multi-bit digital mixer, designed using rapid single flux quantum (RSFQ) logic, for multiplying two independent digital streams, at least one of these comprising a plurality of parallel bit lines, wherein the output is also a similar plurality of bit lines. In a preferred embodiment, one of the digital streams represents a local oscillator signal, and the other digital stream digital radio frequency input from an analog-to-digital converter. The multi-bit mixer comprises an array of bit-slices, with the local oscillator signal generated using shift registers. This multi-bit mixer is suitable for an integrated circuit with application to a broadband digital radio frequency receiver, a digital correlation receiver, or a digital radio frequency transmitter. A synchronous pulse distribution network is used to ensure proper operation at data rates of 20 GHz or above. |
| US09276613B2 |
Universal packet loss recovery for delivery of real-time streaming multimedia content over packet-switched networks
The Universal Packet Loss Recovery System (UPLRS) is capable of recovering end-to-end network packet losses to obtain reliable end-to-end network delivery of multimedia streaming content over IP networks where packet losses appear above the transport layer. The UPLRS incorporates the use of Packet Forward Error Correction Coding (FEC) with packet interleaving processing prior to transport. Packet FEC is an error correction coding method at the packet level to improve link transmission reliability. At the source end of the packet-switching network, the Packet FEC scheme encodes a stream of transport multimedia content packets by including redundant packets in the stream to allow for the recovery of lost packets by the Packet FEC decoder at the user end of the packet-switching network. Since lost packets appear only above the transport layer in the IP network protocol stack, Packet FEC can be viewed as a transport layer or an application layer coding method. |
| US09276610B2 |
Method and apparatus of a fully-pipelined layered LDPC decoder
The architecture is able to switch to Non-blocking check-node-update (CNU) scheduling architecture which has better performance than blocking CNU scheduling architecture. The architecture uses an Offset Min-Sum with Beta=1 with a clock domain operating at 440 MHz. The constraint macro-matrix is a spare matrix where each “1’ corresponds to a sub-array of a cyclically shifted identity matrix which is a shifted version of an identity matrix. Four core processors are used in the layered architecture where the constraint matrix uses a sub-array of 42 (check nodes)×42 (variable nodes) in the macro-array of 168×672 bits. Pipeline processing is used where the delay for each layer only requires 4 clock cycles. |
| US09276599B2 |
Method and apparatus for non-uniform analog-to-digital conversion
A method and apparatus for converting an analog input into a final digital output. A first digital output is generated in response to receiving an analog input at a first converter. A second digital output is generated in response to receiving the analog input at a second converter. The first digital output is output to form the final digital output when an amplitude of the analog input is within a first portion of an overall range of amplitudes for the analog input and the second digital output is output to form the final digital output when the amplitude is within a second portion of the overall range of amplitudes. |
| US09276597B1 |
Circuit and method for calibration of analog-to-digital converter
An analog-to-digital converter is provided. Each pre-amplifier provides a pair of differential outputs according to a pair of differential analog input signals and a first reference voltage and a second reference voltage from a resistor chain, wherein the first reference voltage is different from the second reference voltage. Each dynamic comparator provides a first comparing signal and a second comparing signal according to the pair of differential outputs of the pre-amplifier. Each pre-amplifier includes a first calibration unit for calibrating a first offset voltage from the pre-amplifier at the pair of differential outputs at a specific temperature, and a second calibration unit for calibrating a second offset voltage from the corresponding dynamic comparator at the pair of differential outputs. |
| US09276595B2 |
Quantum interference device, atomic oscillator, electronic apparatus, and moving object
An atomic oscillator includes: a base; a unit portion including a gas cell, in which alkali metal atoms are filled, and a heater that heats the gas cell; and a wiring line that electrically connects the base and the unit portion to each other and includes a portion having a cross-sectional area of 60 μm2 or more and 100 μm2 or less. |
| US09276594B2 |
Noise management method and circuit for asynchronous signals
Noise may be reduced by delaying signal propagation outside of a time window when a change in another signal is expected. A time window may be defined between the change of the first clock signal and the change of the second clock signal during which a third signal, such as a data signal, does not propagate through the circuit. When a change occurs in a third signal after the first clock signal change while the first clock signal is at a different level than a second clock signal, propagation of the third signal change may be delayed until a change in the second clock signal is received. Delayed propagation may be achieved through a latch and hold circuit with no metastability. |
| US09276591B2 |
Frequency synchronization with compensation of phase error accumulation responsive to a detected discontinuity
An endpoint or other communication device of a communication system includes a clock recovery module. The communication device is operative as a slave device relative to another communication device that is operative as a master device. The clock recovery module comprises a clock recovery loop configured to control a slave clock frequency of the slave device so as to synchronize the slave clock frequency with a master clock frequency of the master device. The clock recovery module further comprises a discontinuity detector configured to detect a delay discontinuity in timing messages received in the slave device from the master device, and a loop controller operative to place the clock recovery loop in a particular state responsive to the detected discontinuity. The particular state comprises a state in which a normal operating mode of the loop is interrupted and a compensating drive signal is applied to a clock source of the slave device to at least partially offset phase error accumulation associated with the detected discontinuity. |
| US09276590B1 |
Generating signals with accurate quarter-cycle intervals using digital delay locked loop
An apparatus comprising a delay circuit and a control circuit. The delay circuit may be configured to generate a plurality of intermediate signals in response to (i) a clock signal and (ii) an adjustment signal. The control circuit may be configured to generate the adjustment signal and a plurality of output signals having a quarter-cycle interval in response to (i) the plurality of intermediate signals and (ii) the clock signal. |
| US09276589B2 |
Signal transmission circuit
A clock generation circuit 10 includes a resonant reactor connected with a half voltage supply point TV1, a resonant capacitor CL connected between a ground voltage supply point TVss and an output terminal TVout, a transistor MPconnected between the resonant reactor Lr and the resonant capacitor CL, and a transistor MN1 connected with the output terminal TVout. In this configuration, signals in a wide range of frequencies can be output with low power consumption by adjusting the time when a clock signal φ1 applied to the gates of the transistors MP1 and MN1 is high. |
| US09276586B2 |
Semiconductor device and clock correction method
A frequency error calculator circuit calculates the frequency error in a basic clock based on the basic clock and on a reference clock having a frequency higher than the basic clock. An operation clock generator circuit outputs an operation clock whose error has been corrected based on the frequency error calculated by the frequency error calculator circuit. An ON/OFF control circuit outputs an ON/OFF control signal that specifies the calculation timing that the frequency error calculator circuit calculates the frequency error of the basic clock based on the frequency error calculated by the frequency error calculator circuit. |
| US09276579B2 |
Nano-electro-mechanical-switch adiabatic dynamic logic circuits
A dynamic logic gate includes a nano-electro-mechanical-switch, preferably a four-terminal-nano-electro-mechanical-switch. The invention further refers to dynamic logic cascade circuits comprising such a dynamic logic gate. In particular, embodiments of the invention concern dynamic logic cascade circuits comprising single or dual rail dynamic logic gates. |
| US09276574B2 |
Scan flip-flop circuits and scan test circuits including the same
A scan flip-flop circuit includes an input unit and an output unit. The data output unit is configured to provide a data output terminal with a data output signal in response to a data input signal and a first control signal in a first operation mode, and the data output unit is configured to prohibit the data output terminal from being provided with a power supply voltage and a ground voltage applied to the scan flip-flop circuit in response to the data input signal and the first control signal in a second operation mode. The scan output unit is configured to provide a scan output terminal with a scan output signal in response to a scan input signal and a second control signal in the second operation mode. |
| US09276567B2 |
Detection circuit for detecting signal amplitude
A detection circuit includes a differential circuit including a pair of differential transistors configured to receive the input differential signal and a first current source, the pair of the differential transistors having a common output terminal connected to the first current source, a hold capacitor connected between the common output terminal and a reference potential for generating a hold potential, a level sensing circuit configured to sense a voltage level of the input differential signal and output a switching signal, and a switch configured to receive the switching signal and electrically connect the common output terminal and a second current source when the switching signal exceeds a threshold level being lower than the hold potential by a predetermined amount, and electrically disconnect the common output terminal and the second current source when the switching signal stays lower than the threshold level. |
| US09276565B2 |
Duty ratio correction circuit and phase synchronization circuit
A duty ratio correction circuit includes: a buffer circuit configured to generate a second signal based on a first signal, the second signal having a DC component corresponding to a first control signal; a waveform shaping section configured to shape a waveform of the second signal to generate a third signal that is a target of duty ratio correction; a first capacitor; and a first charge-discharge control circuit configured to selectively charge or discharge the first capacitor based on the third signal, to generate the first control signal. |
| US09276562B2 |
Charge-recycling circuits including switching power stages with floating rails
In one embodiment, a circuit comprises a first switching transistor and a second switching transistor. The first switching transistor and the second switching transistor are coupled in series between an input voltage and ground and having a common node therebetween to provide a switching output. A first switching circuit selective couples a gate of the first switching transistor to the input voltage and a first mid-level voltage supply. A second switching circuit selectively couples a gate of the second switching transistor to a second mid-level voltage supply and ground. A charge-recycling circuit is coupled to the gate of the first switching transistor, the gate of the second switching transistor, the first mid-level voltage supply, and the second mid-level voltage supply to selectively recycle charge between the first mid-level voltage supply and the second mid-level voltage supply. |
| US09276561B2 |
Integrated circuit process and bias monitors and related methods
An integrated circuit device can include at least one oscillator stage having a current mirror circuit comprising first and second mirror transistors of a first conductivity type, and configured to mirror current on two mirror paths, at least one reference transistor of a second conductivity type having a source-drain path coupled to a first of the mirror paths, and a switching circuit coupled to a second of the mirror paths and configured to generate a transition in a stage output signal in response to a stage input signal received from another oscillator stage, wherein the channel lengths of the first and second mirror transistors are larger than that of the at least one reference transistor. |
| US09276557B1 |
Programmable electroacoustic filter apparatus and method for its manufacture
An acoustically coupled frequency selective radio frequency (RF) device is provided. The device includes a piezoelectric substrate overlain by a plurality of electrodes. The device further includes a pair of RF input terminals at least one of which is electrically connected to at least one of the electrodes, and a pair of output RF terminals, at least one of which is electrically connected to at least one other of the electrodes. At least one of the electrodes is electromechanically reconfigurable between a state in which it is closer to a face of the piezoelectric substrate and at least one state in which it is farther from the face of the piezoelectric substrate. |
| US09276544B2 |
Dynamic range control gain encoding
A system and method is provided for converting Dynamic Range Control/Compression (DRC) gain values into a spline representation that is compatible with the current standards. The system and method may: 1) minimize the bitrate for encoding and/or 2) minimize the approximation error between reference gain and interpolation values. A strategy for bitrate minimization may be the reduction of the number of spline nodes since gain and slope information must be transmitted for each node. Accordingly, an efficient heuristics based approach is provided that reduces the number of spline nodes needed to represent a series of DRC gain values using interpolation while accounting for overshoots and other inaccuracies. |
| US09276543B2 |
Enhanced audio component in streamed media
Techniques are provided for enhancing the audio component of streamed media provided by an application on a computing device, referred to collectively herein as an enhance audio mode. The mode may be configured to enhance audio by adjusting the volume gain during playback of streamed media from a specific application (e.g., Netflix or Pandora). In some cases, detection of playback from a specific media streaming application may be based on detection of a system file update, which may occur, for example, in a user space level. In some cases, the volume gain adjustment may be applied by an audio codec included with the computing device, which may occur, for example, in a kernel space level. The volume gain adjustment may be determined by analyzing the amplitude of the audio component of media streamed from a specific application relative to the speaker(s) included with the computing device. |
| US09276541B1 |
Event-based presentation and processing of content
Content is presented by media devices to a user. Described herein are techniques and systems for determining occurrence of one or more events at, or proximate to, the media device. Once an event is determined, one or more actions to modify presentation of the content may be initiated. The actions may include starting presentation of the content, stopping presentation of the content, applying noise mitigation techniques to the content, and so forth. The noise mitigation techniques may include modification of an intended signal from the content to produce a noise mitigation zone 118 proximate to, or encompassing, at least a portion of the user's head. |
| US09276540B2 |
Digital/analogue conversion apparatus
A digital/analog conversion apparatus to convert a digital signal into an analog signal. The digital/analog conversion apparatus can generate a high-quality analog signal, even when elements configuring the digital/analog conversion apparatus have variance, with high resolution and a small circuit size. The data conversion apparatus is provided with a first data converter to reduce the number of bits of an input signal, a second data converter to convert the format of the first output signal, and a third data converter for conversion into a code which corresponds to the history of the output from the second data converter. |
| US09276537B2 |
Amplifier inductor sharing for inductive peaking and method therefor
A method of sharing inductors for inductive peaking of an amplifier includes calculating a single stage inductance of a single stage for inductive peaking in order to have a stable impulse response. The method further includes determining a number of stages for shared inductance for inductive peaking. The method further includes sharing at least two inductors having the shared inductance among the determined number of stages for inductive peaking. |
| US09276534B2 |
High speed amplifier
A circuit may include one or more transistors connected directly to an output, and a biasing network connected to at least one of a substrate, a well, and a back-gate of at least one of the transistors. The biasing network may bias the at least one of the substrate, the well, and the back-gate to a virtual floating bias, such that the virtual floating bias shifts in voltage level based upon an AC input signal of the circuit, to reduce the parasitic capacitance of the output node of the circuit. |
| US09276533B2 |
Distortion compensation apparatus and method
A distortion compensation apparatus compensates for non-linear distortion of a power amplifier. The distortion compensation apparatus includes a pre-distorter, a learning unit, and a gain control unit. During training of the pre-distorter, the learning unit repeatedly updates a compensation coefficient on the basis of signals output from the power amplifier. While the training continues after update of the compensation coefficient, the gain control unit performs gain control on a signal before input to the power amplifier. |
| US09276530B1 |
Advanced current limit function for audio amplifier
A class-D audio amplifier incorporates an overcurrent protection scheme implementing two overcurrent thresholds to avoid a dynamic impedance drop. When output current reaches the first threshold as a result of an impedance drop across the speaker, the overcurrent protection circuitry limits the output current to the value of the first threshold, but does not shut down the circuit. The second threshold is used to detect an overcurrent condition to shut down the circuit. Current limiting logic of a first channel monitors the overcurrent condition of a second channel and controls the first channel output in response thereto. This permits the second channel output current to reach the second threshold if the circuit is experiencing a short-circuit condition. This scheme also allows the output current to drop below the first threshold if the overcurrent condition of the second channel is caused by an impedance drop across the output speaker. |
| US09276526B2 |
Amplifier with variable feedback impedance
A variable feedback impedance is presented capable of providing high linearity (e.g. as represented by IP2 and IP3) and high linear range (e.g. as represented by P1dB) when used in a feedback path of an RF amplifier in the presence of high voltage amplitudes. |
| US09276525B2 |
Adaptive biasing technique for audio circuitry
A circuit comprising a peak detector configured to receive a positive voltage input, a negative voltage input and a reference current source input and to output a peak signal data value. A fast attack current source control coupled to the peak detector and configured to generate a current source control signal as a function of the peak signal data value. A slow decay control coupled to the fast attack current source control and configured to reduce the current source control signal based on a predetermined or user-selected decay rate. A variable current source coupled to the fast attack current source control and configured to generate a variable current as a function of the current source control signal. Amplifier circuitry coupled to the variable current source, the amplifier circuitry configured to receive the variable current. |
| US09276516B2 |
Refrigeration apparatus
A refrigeration apparatus includes a refrigerant circuit with a compressor, a power module, a refrigerant cooler in contact with the power module, and an IPM motor which drives the compressor. A refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit flows through the refrigerant cooler, and cooling of the power module is performed by dissipating heat to the refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant cooler. A controller in the refrigeration apparatus outputs a driving signal to a drive circuit to reduce the number of switching operations of switching elements by performing overmodulation control such that there exists a carrier cycle in which no switching is performed. |
| US09276511B2 |
Field current profile
An output of a generator may vary according to the speed of the engine, physical characteristics of the engine, or other factors. A profile for a generator that describes a periodic fluctuation in an operating characteristic for the generator is identified. A field current of an alternator associated with the generator is modified based on the profile for the generator in order to counter variations in the output of the generator. |
| US09276506B2 |
Field winding type synchronous motor
A field winding type synchronous motor comprises a stator, a rotor with field windings, a brushless exciter, and a rectification circuit rectifying an output of the brushless exciter. A first circuit in parallel with the field windings includes a discharge resistor and a first switching device with a backward diode. The discharge resistor and the first switching device are connected in series. A second switching device is provided in one of the DC lines connecting the first circuit and the rectification circuit. The first switching device is controlled by a potential obtained by resistor dividing of an induced voltage in the field windings and a connection from the potential via a diode to anode adjacent to the rectification circuit on the one of the DC lines with the second switching device thereon. The second switching device is closed in a synchronous speed. |
| US09276501B2 |
Electromechanical transducer and production method therefor
An electromechanical transducer includes a plurality cells that are electrically connected to form a unit. Each of the cells includes a first electrode and a second electrode provided with a gap being disposed therebetween. Dummy cells that are not electrically connected to the cells are provided around the outer periphery of the unit of the cells. |
| US09276498B2 |
Photovoltaic power generation system
A photovoltaic power generation system includes a photovoltaic power generation module, a capacitor, a DC/AC voltage converter, a filter, a relay, a PWM controller, a calculation module, a control module, and a grid. The control module traces the maximum power of the photovoltaic power generation module, and detects whether the grid is abnormal or not. Finally, the DC power outputted from the photovoltaic power generation module is transferred to the AC power and outputted to the grid via the DC/AC voltage converter by using the PWM controller. |
| US09276496B2 |
Power conversion apparatus including an inverter-converter combination
An inverter circuit is connected in series to an AC power supply, and at the subsequent stage, a smoothing capacitor is connected via a converter circuit including semiconductor switching devices. A control circuit controls the converter circuit by providing a short-circuit period for bypassing the smoothing capacitor in each cycle, and controls the inverter circuit to improve the power factor of the AC power supply by using a current instruction such that the voltage of the smoothing capacitor becomes a target voltage. When the voltage of a DC voltage source of the inverter circuit has exceeded a predetermined upper limit, the control circuit increases the current instruction to control the inverter circuit, thereby increasing the discharge amount of the DC voltage source. Thus, even if the voltage variation of the DC voltage source of the inverter circuit increases, it is possible to stably continue the control. |
| US09276495B2 |
Switching converter and method for controlling the switching converter
A switching converter and method for controlling a switching converter in a quasi resonant mode of operation, wherein a sense voltage is predefined for a PWM controller to determine a switch off time of a switching element, a switch-on time of the switching element also falls in a valley of an oscillating voltage that is being applied to the switched-off switching element, and where the sense voltage is reduced in each valley occurring after a switch-off operation such that a stable operating point is thus reached under any load. |
| US09276494B2 |
Switching power supply device, including a zero current detecting
In some aspects of the invention, a zero current detecting circuit of a switching power supply device detects a gradient of the current flowing in an inductor in the OFF state of the switching element and detects the timing at which the current through the inductor becomes zero corresponding to the detected gradient of the inductor current. Specifically, the zero current detecting circuit receives a signal for controlling ON/OFF driving of the switching element and a voltage signal proportional to the current flowing through the inductor in an OFF state of the switching element. The voltage signal can be compared sequentially with first and second comparison reference voltages to control charging and discharging of a capacitor. Further, the zero current detecting circuit can detect a timing at which the charging and discharging voltage of the capacitor as the timing of zero current flowing through the inductor. |
| US09276489B2 |
Power converter having clamp circuit with capacitor and component for limiting current flowing into capacitor
A converter includes switching devices connected between each of a plurality of input ends and a DC power supply line, and switching devices connected between each of the plurality of input ends and a DC power supply line. A capacitor, a resistor and a diode are connected in series with each other between the DC power supply lines. |
| US09276486B2 |
Matrix converter and method for compensating for output voltage error
A matrix converter includes a power converter, a command generator, and a commutation controller. The power converter includes bidirectional switches each having a conducting direction controllable by switching elements. The bidirectional switches are disposed between input terminals coupled to phases of an AC power source and output terminals coupled to phases of a load. The command generator generates a control command based on a voltage command specifying a pulse width of pulse width modulation control. The commutation controller controls the switching elements by a commutation method based on the control command so as to perform commutation control. The command generator includes a corrector to, when an error in an output voltage is caused by the commutation control, correct the pulse width specified in the voltage command in generating the control command to reduce the error in the output voltage. |
| US09276481B2 |
Power control device for dynamically adjusting frequency
A power control device for dynamically adjusting frequency includes an electric transformer, a controller, a loading feedback unit, and a switching transistor. The electric transformer includes a first side induction coil connected to an input power unit, a second side induction coil connected to a loading unit to generate an output power by electromagnetic induction with the first side induction coil, and an auxiliary induction coil generating a power sensing signal by electromagnetic induction with the first side induction coil. The loading feedback unit generates a loading feedback signal. The controller determines the level of loading based on the loading feedback signal and further detects the valleys of the power sensing signal so as to change the switching signal which controls the switching transistor at the optimal one of the valleys. |
| US09276475B2 |
Switched mode assisted linear regulator with decoupled output impedance and signal path bandwidth
A switched mode assisted linear (SMAL) amplifier/regulator architecture can be configured to supply regulated power to a dynamic load, such as an RF power amplifier. Embodiments of a SMAL regulator can include a linear amplifier and a switched mode converter parallel coupled at a supply node, and configured such that the amplifier sets load voltage, while the amplifier and the switched converter are cooperatively controlled to supply load current. The amplifier can include separate feedback loops: an external relatively lower speed feedback loop for controlling signal path bandwidth, and an internal relatively higher speed feedback loop for controlling output impedance bandwidth of the linear amplifier. The linear amplifier can be AC coupled to the supply node, and the switched converter can be configured with a capacitive charge control loop that controls the switched converter to effectively control the amplifier to provide capacitive charge control. |
| US09276474B2 |
Power conversion system with controlled neutral
Improved electrical power conversion system configured to transfer power between a DC voltage differential occurring between input DC terminals and lower DC voltage differential made up of the output differential voltages between a positive output DC terminal and a system neutral terminal and a negative output DC terminal and the system neutral terminal. The system actively controls the output differential voltages to account for variations in the electrical loading placed on the system. The system also actively controls the neutral voltage differential between the neutral terminal and Earth Ground. The output differential voltages are controlled to be maintained within an acceptable range for the types of electrical loads powered by the system (e.g. computers, servers, LED lighting) and to the extent the differentials vary, the system corrects the variances at frequencies which do not adversely affect system circuit protection or the electrical loading on the system. Similarly, control of the neutral voltage differential is performed to maintain the differential constant (preferably at about 0 volts) and corrects variances at frequencies which do not adversely affect system circuit protection or the electrical loading on the system. |
| US09276473B1 |
Voltage converting controller and method of voltage converting control
A voltage converting controller is applied to a switching voltage converting circuit, in which the voltage converting controller periodically operates a high-side power switch and a low-side power switch in the switching voltage converting circuit with a high-side control signal and a low-side control signal, respectively, so as to convert an input voltage into an output voltage via an inductor. Defining an ideal duty cycle as the rating value of the output voltage divided by the value of the input voltage, when the ideal duty cycle is less than one threshold duty cycle, then the period of the high-side control signal is a constant; and when the ideal duty cycle is greater than the threshold duty cycle, the period of the high-side control signal and the period of the ideal duty cycle are positively correlated. |
| US09276472B2 |
DC/DC converter and display device including the same
The present invention is directed to sufficiently reduce the level of EMI which occurs from a switching FET in a DC/DC converter and minimize deterioration in efficiency of a power supply. A DC/DC converter includes a switching circuit for driving a switching FET for increasing or decreasing voltage, and a switching circuit for driving a ringing frequency changing circuit. One end of a capacitor is connected to a drain of the switching FET for increasing or decreasing voltage, and the other end of the capacitor is connected to a drain of an FET for the ringing frequency changing circuit. A source of the FET for the ringing frequency changing circuit is connected to GND, and a control circuit is provided which makes the ringing frequency changing circuit valid so that a ringing frequency becomes low only in a ringing frequency component exerting large influence on deterioration in EMI. |
| US09276470B2 |
Multiphase switching converters operating over wide load ranges
A system includes a multi-phase switching converter and a converter control module. The multi-phase switching converter receives an input voltage and that supplies an output voltage to a load via a plurality of phases. Each phase includes a plurality of switches, an on-time generator module that determines an on-time of the switches, and a switch control module that controls a switching frequency of the switches based on the on-time and a clock signal, and an inductance that connects the switches to the load. The converter control module varies the switching frequency without varying the on-time or varies the on-time without varying the switching frequency when current through the load varies. |
| US09276460B2 |
Power converter with noise immunity
A power adapter system, method and device having two feedback loops that produces an output voltage on a load with a power converter using an input power. A feedback element coupled with the power converter comprises a first feedback loop that compensates for error on the output voltage. A noise detection element coupled with the power converter comprises a second feedback loop that detects noise and produces a noise feedback voltage based on the detected noise. Based on the noise feedback voltage a controller coupled with the power converter adjusts the operation of the power converter in order to compensate for or not respond to the effects of high frequency noise such as radio frequency noise on the first feedback loop of the system. |
| US09276458B2 |
Switch control for controlling switch arrangements of a power converter based on efficiency
The present invention relates to a power converter (1, 1′) comprising an input terminal (+IN, −IN) connected to an input power source, at least an input switch arrangement (T1, T2; T10, T12), and an output terminal (+OUT, −OUT). The input switch arrangement (T1, T2; T10, T12) is arranged to convert the input power, where the power converter (1) further comprises a control unit (P1, N1) that is arranged to control at least the input switch arrangement (T1, T2; T10, T12). The control unit (P1, N1) is arranged to perform said control of the input switch arrangement (T1, T2; T10, T12) in dependence of the efficiency of at least a part of the power converter, the control unit (P1, N1) having information regarding the power at the input terminal (+IN, −IN) and the power at the output terminal (+OUT, −OUT). The present invention also relates to a corresponding method. |
| US09276455B2 |
Magnetic reluctance device
A magnetic reluctance device includes a casing, an inner pipe, a lead screw, a magnet, at least a protruding unit, and at least a metallic element. The magnetic reluctance device is advantageously characterized in that, at least a protruding unit protrudingly disposed on the inner wall surface of an inner pipe moves along a thread of a lead screw, and thus the lead screw slides and drives the inner pipe to rotate, such that it is convenient for a magnet to produce a magnetic drag between the metallic element and the metallic pipe of the casing. The magnetic reluctance device further includes an adjustment unit for altering the distance between the metallic element and the magnet to thereby conveniently alter the strength of the magnetic drag produced between the magnet, the metallic element, and the metallic pipe of the casing while the magnet is rotating. |
| US09276451B2 |
Electrical motor
An electrical motor includes a motor case inside which an inner space is formed, a bearing disposed so as to pass through a wall of the motor case, a rotor shaft rotatably supported by the bearing, and an earth conductor fixed with the motor case and provided with a frame and an electrical conductor provided on the frame. The frame has an annular inner circumferential surface along an outer circumference of the rotor shaft and is fixed with the motor shaft. The electrical conductor is disposed on the inner circumferential surface of the frame so as to slidably contact its end with the rotor shaft. A bypass flow passage is provided between the earth conductor and the motor case. The inner space is communicated with an outside of the motor case via the bypass flow passage. According to the motor, its inside can be cooled without damaging the earth conductor. |
| US09276450B2 |
Wiper motor
A wiper motor (10) comprises: a motor body (11) comprisinga motor case (13) rotatably supporting an end of the motor shaft (17) in the axial direction thereof; a reduction mechanism (26) reducting the speed of rotation of the motor shaft (17) and transmitting the rotation having the reduced speed to a worm wheel (35); and a motion conversion mechanism (29) converting the rotational motion of the worm wheel (35) into a rocking motion and transmitting the rocking motion to an output shaft (28). The position of the output shaft (28) is set up that the axis (C1) of the output shaft (28) is closer to the motor case (13) than the axis (C2) of the worm wheel (35) and farther from the axis (C2) of the worm wheel (35) than the axis (C) of the motor shaft (17). |
| US09276449B2 |
HVAC actuator noise reducer
An actuator noise reducer reduces the noise output of an HVAC actuator. The noise reducer has a spring arm with a sliding bearing surface which is pressed against a side of the rotating motor shaft. The spring arm introduces a generally radial force on the motor shaft, taking up bearing play and gently pressing the motor shaft into its bearing. A cylindrical hoop mount of the noise reducer mates with and encircles a cylindrical portion of the electrical motor adjacent the shaft for mounting the actuator noise reducer on the motor by axial sliding. |
| US09276444B2 |
Rotor and motor
A rotor includes a first rotor core, a second rotor core, a field magnet, and an adhesive. The first rotor core includes a first core base, having a first magnet fixing surface, and a plurality of first claw-poles. The second rotor core includes a second core base having a second magnet fixing surface, and a plurality of second claw-poles. The field magnet includes a first axial end face and a second axial end face. At least one of the first magnet fixing surface and the first axial end face includes a first adhesive recess that receives an adhesive. At least one of the second magnet fixing surface and the second axial end face includes a second adhesive recess that receives the adhesive. |
| US09276443B2 |
Rotating element with embedded permanent magnet and rotating electrical machine
A rotating element with embedded permanent magnets is provided that includes: a rotor core adapted to be within the diameter direction of a stator; first permanent magnets embedded near the exterior circumference face of the core, and orthogonally extending with a d axis; and second permanent magnets embedded on both sides of each of the first magnets, and extending along a q axis. The rotating element further includes gaps formed in the core away from both circumference direction ends of the first magnets. The gaps further include exterior end parts at the furthermost exterior side with respect to the diameter direction of the core, and interior end parts at the furthermost interior side with respect to same. The magnetic pole faces of the first magnets are located between the exterior and interior end parts of the gaps. |
| US09276440B2 |
Multi-mode multi-coupling multi-protocol ubiquitous wireless power transmitter
A multi-mode multi-coupling multi-protocol wireless power transmitter (WPT) and its embodiments transmit power to a wireless power receiver (WPR) in a power transfer mode (PTM) and a wireless power protocol (WPP) of the WPR. A first circuit of the WPT includes inductors or capacitors emanating power via a magnetic field or electric field PTM respectively. The WPT sequentially parses a test condition to identify a PTM, a power coupling linkage (PCL) between the WPT and the WPR, and a WPP of the WPR. The WPT identifies a match if the PTM of the first circuit and the WPP of the switch network, the variable matching circuit, a modulator/demodulator block or an out-of-band communication block, and a control logic circuit of the WPT match the PTM and the WPP of the WPR to transmit power to the WPR based on the match. |
| US09276439B2 |
Power supply system, power transmitter, and power receiver
A power supply system includes one or more power transmitters and one or more power receivers: the one or more transmitters transmitting identification information and a power transmitting condition to the one or more receivers, receiving identification information and a power receiving condition from the one or more receivers, wirelessly transmitting power to the one or more receivers on the basis of the power transmitting and receiving conditions, and generating power transmission amount information indicating the amount of the transmitted power; the one or more receivers receiving identification information and a power transmitting condition from the one or more transmitters, transmitting identification information and a power receiving condition to the one or more transmitters, wirelessly receiving power from the one or more transmitters on the basis of the power transmitting and receiving conditions, generating power reception amount information, and transmitting the identification information and the power reception amount information. |
| US09276434B2 |
Wireless power supply apparatus, wireless charging apparatus, and wireless charging system using the same
A wireless charging apparatus and a wireless charging system using the same are provided. The wireless charging apparatus includes a sensing resonator that senses for an external device; a transmission resonator that transmits energy to the external device by magnetic resonance; and a transmission circuit that controls the transmission resonator in accordance with an output of the sensing resonator. |
| US09276428B2 |
System power integrated circuit and architecture, management circuit, power supply arrangement, and portable apparatus
According to one embodiment, a management circuit for a portable device includes an input terminal, a first step-up converter, a first step-down converter, and a second step-down converter. The input terminal is coupled to receive a supply voltage from a power supply. The first step-up converter, coupled to the input terminal, selectively converts the supply voltage to a boosted voltage. The first step-down converter, coupled to the first step-up converter, selectively provides a first output power voltage to a first radio frequency (RF) module. The second step-down converter, coupled to the first step-up converter, selectively provides a second output power voltage to a second radio frequency (RF) module. The first step-up converter performs the conversion of the supply voltage when the supply voltage is under a threshold voltage. |
| US09276427B2 |
Method for starting up a battery system having a DC voltage intermediate circuit
The disclosure presents a method for starting up a battery system having a battery and a DC voltage intermediate circuit which is connected to the battery. The battery has a plurality of battery modules which are connected in series and which comprise a first battery module having a first number of battery cells and at least a second battery module having a larger second number of battery cells. At the beginning of the method, all of the battery modules are deactivated, and therefore the output voltage of the battery is zero. During the course of the method, the output voltage of the battery is increased by successive second battery modules being activated. In the process, the first battery module is activated in each case between the activation of two second battery modules and is deactivated again when the further second battery module is activated. |
| US09276424B2 |
Adapter for foldable battery charger
An adapter for a portable battery charging apparatus having two or more battery charging interfaces on separate panels. Wires electrically couple the battery charging apparatuses to a charger unit. The wires are routed for flexibility to fold and unfold the panels. The adapter is configured to nest between two panels of the battery charging apparatus when the panels are stacked together in a compact folded state. |
| US09276421B2 |
Portable rechargeable battery pack and external adapter for same
Embodiments include a portable rechargeable battery pack, system, and external adapter that allow the portable rechargeable battery pack to both power a host device though a set of host contacts and provide power through a set of charging contacts. The portable rechargeable battery pack includes a charge protection circuit that prevents an excessive discharge current through the charging contacts and allows high charge current when charging the portable rechargeable battery pack. A discharge circuit allows a low level discharge current through the charging contacts to provide power to other devices. |
| US09276420B2 |
Battery power system having high working stability
A battery power system includes a number of battery modules. Each battery module includes a number of battery cells, a management circuit positioned at a first side of the battery module, and a heat source positioned at a second side of the battery module and opposite to the first side. The management circuit is electrically connected to and manages charging and discharging of the cells of the corresponding battery module. The heat source is thermally coupled to the cells of the corresponding battery module and dissipates heat generated by the cells of the corresponding battery module. The battery modules are arranged in two lines, and the first sides of the battery modules in one line are positioned adjacent to and face the first sides of the battery modules in another line. |
| US09276417B2 |
Battery control system, battery pack, electronic device and charger
A plurality of battery cells (100) are connected in series to each other. A temperature measurement unit (300) measures temperatures of two or more battery cells (100). A battery control unit (400) controls charge and discharge of the battery cells (100) on the basis of the temperatures measured by the temperature measurement unit (300). In addition, when the charge of the battery cells (100) is performed or the discharge of the battery cells (100) is performed, the battery control unit (400) specifies a lowest temperature cell having the lowest temperature and a highest temperature cell having the highest temperature, on the basis of the temperatures measured by the temperature measurement unit (300). In addition, the battery control unit (400) continues the charge or discharge, as it is, when a first condition in which a temperature difference ΔT between the highest temperature cell and the lowest temperature cell is equal to or greater than a reference value T1 is not satisfied. On the other hand, when the temperature difference ΔT satisfies the first condition, the battery control unit (400) outputs a first signal. |
| US09276416B2 |
Smart charging system
A smart battery charger having a plurality of charging stations for simultaneously charging a plurality of batteries, such as vehicle batteries, in an efficient manner without overcharging by compensating for the current state of charge and temperature of each one of the batteries while indicating a status of the batteries to an operator. |
| US09276412B2 |
System for supplying energy
A system (10) for supplying energy is provided. The system (10) comprises a shelter (12) for a passenger awaiting transport. The shelter (12) has a roof portion (14) and photovoltaic cells (16) disposed on the roof portion (14). The photovoltaic cells (16) are arranged to convert solar energy into electrical energy. The system (10) also comprises an energy distribution system (18) arranged to receive electrical energy from the photovoltaic cells (16) and to provide the electrical energy to at least one electrically powered component (20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34) of the system (10). |
| US09276410B2 |
Dual use photovoltaic system
A system for providing power from a direct current (DC) source to the power grid. The system includes a first inverter with an input and an output. The input is adapted to connect to the DC source. A first switch disposed between the output and the power grid. A second inverter with a DC terminal and an AC terminal, the AC terminal is adapted to connect in parallel with the output of the first inverter. A battery adapted to connect to the DC terminal of the second inverter. A second switch connected between the DC terminal of the second inverter and the input of the first inverter. The second switch also operatively connects the DC source to the battery. The system may further include a charging circuit adapted to be disposed between the input and the DC terminal and a load adapted to connect to the output. |
| US09276405B2 |
Sharing redundant power supply modules among physical systems
A system may include a switchover element configurable to source or sink power from or to an electronic device electrically coupled to the switchover element and a controller in communication with the switchover element. The controller may be configured to determine if the electronic device is healthy. When the electronic device is healthy, the controller may configure the switchover element to deliver power from the electronic device to the system andconfigure the switchover element to provide the power to any unhealthy electronic device electrically coupled to the system. |
| US09276399B2 |
Method and system for monitoring a cable system of an electric power transmission system
Method and system for monitoring parameters of a cable system of an electric power transmission system, wherein: a plurality of monitoring nodes is associated with different monitoring points of the cable system; the monitoring nodes are operated alternatively in a sleeping mode and in an active mode; in the active modes the monitoring nodes acquire values of at least one of said parameters and process the acquired values so as to generate corresponding output data; a central unit collects the output data generated by the monitoring nodes; the output data generated by the monitoring nodes are sent from the monitoring nodes, when in active mode, toward the central unit by making them pass from one of the monitoring nodes to another, by starting from the monitoring node that generates the output data until a last of the monitoring nodes, which forwards the output data to the central unit. |
| US09276392B2 |
Compression molded cable structures and methods for making the same
Compression molded cable structures and systems and methods for manufacturing molded cable structures are disclosed. |
| US09276390B2 |
Bus bar assembly
In a bus bar assembly includes a magnetic body having at least a first insertion hole and a second insertion hole and a bus bar. The bus bar is configured so that directions of electrical current flowing through it are opposed to each other at least once. The magnetic body includes a middle leg in the middle region located between portions of the bus bar. At least the middle leg defines a gap rendering a magnetic field discontinuous. The bus bar is configured to extend through the first insertion hole of the magnetic body from a first side of the magnetic body to a second side opposed to the first side with respect to an extending direction of the bus bar and further through the second insertion hole from the second side to the first side. The middle leg is located between the first and second insertion holes. |
| US09276389B1 |
Cover for outdoor electrical devices
An electrical device cover includes an access panel having an orifice and an adapter plate configured with an opening dimensioned to receive the operative face of an electrical device. The front face of the access panel includes a depressed platform surrounding the orifice and dimensioned to receive the adapter plate. An interlock between the access panel and the adapter plate is provided by channels formed on the rear face of the adapter plate and the front of the access panel and fillets formed on the access panel, and adapter plate, the fillets being seated in the channels. The adapter plate includes a pair of trapezium flanges which define the longitudinal boundaries of the adapter plate and which are received in the depressed platform. |
| US09276388B2 |
Electrical power distribution device having a current display
An electrical power distribution unit can include a power distribution unit enclosure, a power input associated with the power distribution unit enclosure, and a plurality of power outputs associated with the power distribution unit enclosure. At least certain power outputs can be connectable to one or more electrical loads external to the power distribution unit enclosure and to the power input. In some embodiments, an intelligent power section can communicate with at least one of the power outputs and can connect to a communications network external to the power distribution unit enclosure. |
| US09276382B2 |
Quantum-size-controlled photoelectrochemical etching of semiconductor nanostructures
Quantum-size-controlled photoelectrochemical (QSC-PEC) etching provides a new route to the precision fabrication of epitaxial semiconductor nanostructures in the sub-10-nm size regime. For example, quantum dots (QDs) can be QSC-PEC-etched from epitaxial InGaN thin films using narrowband laser photoexcitation, and the QD sizes (and hence bandgaps and photoluminescence wavelengths) are determined by the photoexcitation wavelength. |
| US09276377B2 |
Surface-emitting laser module, optical scanner device, and image forming apparatus
A disclosed surface-emitting laser module includes a surface-emitting laser formed on a substrate to emit light perpendicular to its surface, a package including a recess portion in which the substrate having the surface-emitting laser is arranged, and a transparent substrate arranged to cover the recess portion of the package and the substrate having the surface-emitting laser such that the transparent substrate and the package are connected on a light emitting side of the surface-emitting laser. In the surface-emitting laser module, a high reflectance region and a low reflectance region are formed within a region enclosed by an electrode on an upper part of a mesa of the surface-emitting laser, and the transparent substrate is slanted to the surface of the substrate having the surface-emitting laser in a polarization direction of the light emitted from the surface-emitting laser determined by the high reflectance region and the low reflectance region. |
| US09276375B2 |
Tunable system for generating an optical pulse based on a double-pass semiconductor optical amplifier
A system for generating a shaped optical pulse is disclosed. The system includes a master oscillator for generating an initial optical pulse, which is then directed to a semiconductor optical amplifier to amplify a portion of the initial optical pulse. The amplified pulse is reflected from a fiber Bragg grating to spectrally clean the amplified pulse and the reflected portion is returned back through the semiconductor optical amplifier. The semiconductor optical amplifier is activated a second time to amplify the reflected portion of the pulse. The time delay between the two activations of the semiconductor optical amplifier is selected to generate an output pulse with desired duration and/or amplitude profile over time. |
| US09276373B1 |
Frequency stabilized coherent brillouin random fiber laser
A high-finesse Fabry-Perot interferometer (FPI) is introduced into a coherent Brillouin RFL configuration to thereby produce a frequency stabilized random laser. |
| US09276372B2 |
Laser with non-linear optical loop mirror
In a laser (12, 18) with a laser resonator (13), the laser resonator (13) has a non-linear optical loop mirror (1, 1′), NOLM, which is adapted to guide counter-propagating portions of laser pulses, and to bring the counter-propagating portions of laser pulses into interference with each other at an exit point (4) of the NOLM (1, 1′). The non-linear optical loop mirror (1, 1′) contains a non-reciprocal optical element (7, 7′) on a linear section of the NOLM. In addition to the NOLM, the laser resonator (13) has a linear cavity section. The linear section of the NOLM and the linear cavity section (19) are reassembled on a microoptical bench (112) or within a cylindrical carrier (112). |
| US09276370B2 |
High-power liquid-cooled pump and signal combiner
Embodiments of the present invention are generally related to a high-power liquid-cooled pump and signal combiner and methods thereof for fiber optic applications. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to a pump and signal combiner capable of conveying several kilowatts of pump laser power for kilowatt class rare-earth doped fiber amplifiers without suffering thermal damage. In one embodiment of the present invention, a high-power, heat dissipating optical fiber device comprises a section of optical fiber configured to propagate light, a cooling chamber, substantially encapsulating the optical fiber, and a fluid within the cooling chamber having a refractive index selected to control the interaction and propagation of the light in the fluid. |
| US09276356B2 |
Cable connector with switch structure
The invention is a cable connector with a switchover structure, comprising a plug connector having a plug rubber core, a housing, a pin terminal, a protruding rib and a wire; a plug holder harnessed on an outer edge of the plug rubber core movably; and a switching unit combined with the plug holder movably, furthermore, the said switching unit mentioned above is harnessed on the outer edge of the plug rubber core and is positioned between the housing and the plug holder. Therefore, by rotational switching of the switching unit may be utilized for the plug holder to be joined to different kinds of socket connectors, such that the effects and advantages of tight locking, detachment prevention, easy of assembly, easy of retreating, convenient replacement and maintenance, ease of operation and applicability to at least two different kinds of socket connectors are achieved as the cable connector and a socket connector are butted together. |
| US09276347B2 |
Socket cover
A socket cover contains: a cap, a first lid, and a second lid. The cap has an orifice defined thereon, the first lid is disposed on a first side of the orifice of the cap and covers a first part of the orifice, and the first lid has a cutout defined on a non-closed position thereof opposite to the orifice of the cap. The second lid is disposed on a second side of the orifice of the cap and covers a second part of the orifice which is not covered by the first lid, and the second lid has a projection corresponding to the cutout of the first lid. Thereby, when a plug is inserted in a socket, the cap is positioned stably to enhance using safety and aesthetics appearance. |
| US09276345B2 |
Electrical connector
An electrical connector comprising one or more housings and a carrier adapted to receive the housing(s). The housing comprises a flexible lance adapted to flex to maintain an electrical contact in the receptacle. The carrier comprises a protrusion. When the lance is in its unlock condition, the lance cooperates with the protrusion to prevent the housing from reaching the assembled position with respect to the carrier. When the lance is in its lock condition, the lance does not cooperate with the protrusion. |
| US09276342B2 |
Connector
A connector includes a housing and a plurality of signal contacts and a plurality of ground contacts. Each contact includes a contact portion that contacts an object, a connection portion mounted on a substrate, and a fixing portion located between the contact portion and the connection portion in the vicinity of the connection portion. The signal contact and the ground contact are aligned and held in the housing, and the fixing portion is fixed to the housing. When the plurality of signal contacts are arranged between the ground contacts, at least two of the ground contacts are coupled and connected integrally or by a separate component, the coupling and connection being made in a section of each ground contact between one end (leading end) of the contact portion and the fixing portion, so that high-frequency transmission characteristics are improved. |
| US09276340B2 |
Interposers for connecting receptacle tongues to printed circuit boards
Connecting structures to mechanically connect to a connector receptacle tongue and a printed circuit board and to electrically connect contacts on the connector receptacle tongue to traces on the printed circuit board. One example may provide an interposer having a housing and a plurality of contacts. The contacts may have a side or tongue connecting portion extending beyond a side of the housing and a bottom or board contacting portion extending beyond a bottom of the housing. The contacts may form a ninety-degree bend. A shield may at least substantially surround a top and the other three sides of the housing. |
| US09276338B1 |
Compliant pin, electrical assembly including the compliant pin and method of manufacturing the compliant pin
A compliant pin comprises a base portion at a proximal end of the compliant pin, a tip portion at a distal end of the compliant pin, and a medial portion between the base portion and the tip portion. The medial portion includes a first arm and a second arm, and the tip portion includes first and second extensions extending from the first and second arms, respectively, the first and second extensions defining a slit therebetween. |
| US09276327B2 |
Array antenna for radar sensors
An array antenna for radar sensors has a supply line, a plurality of antenna elements each connected to the supply line via a feed line, and circuit elements for distributing power to the antenna elements, in which the supply line is made reflective at one end and the circuit elements for power distribution are situated exclusively in the feed lines. |
| US09276322B2 |
Antenna device and mobile phone
There is provided an antenna device that includes a substrate, a slot provided in the substrate so that the slot includes a cut opening that is close to an edge of the substrate and the slot includes a crooked portion, a conductor section configured to include a slit in an area of the substrate, the area being sandwiched by the slot in the crooked portion, and an antenna that is placed close to the conductor section and is side by side with a surface of the substrate. |
| US09276314B2 |
Central node apparatus and method for transmitting wireless signals between central office node and remote node using beam patterns and antenna polarization
A central office node using beam patterns and antenna polarizations, a remote node, and a wireless communication method between the nodes. The central office node includes: a first antenna array with first polarization attributes; a second antenna array with second polarization attributes; and a transmitter unit configured to transmit data to a plurality of remote nodes using beam patterns generated during beamforming and the polarization of the first and second antenna arrays. |
| US09276311B2 |
Panel antenna
A panel antenna includes a panel portion and a feeder cable. The panel portion includes a first portion and a second portion connected with the first portion to form a L-shape. A first metal sheet is disposed on the first portion. A second metal sheet is disposed on the second portion. The first and second metal sheets connect with each other. The first metal sheet has a feeding point and the second metal sheet has an elongate connecting arm. The overall structure of the first and second metal sheets forms a L-shape The feeder cable includes an inner conductor electrically connecting with the feeding point and an outer conductor extending along the connecting arm. The outer conductor has an exposed part contacted with the connecting arm. |
| US09276310B1 |
Omnidirectional helically arrayed antenna
A method and apparatus for an omnidirectional helically arrayed antenna are described. In accordance with at least one embodiment, a horizontally polarized omnidirectional helically arrayed antenna is provided. In accordance with at least one embodiment, an antenna comprises a helical array of coaxial transmission line radiating elements coupled to one another successively by phase changing couplings. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the antenna is configured to provide an omnidirectional radiation pattern and a polarization dominated by a magnetic field vector component parallel to an axis of the helical array and an electric field vector component perpendicular to the axis of the helical array. In accordance with at least one embodiment, an electrical length of each of the coaxial transmission line radiating elements is an odd integer multiple of a half wavelength in the coaxial medium with a pitch in the range of 0.35 wavelength to 0.50 wavelength. |
| US09276308B2 |
Arrangement for mounting and adjusting a sensor
An arrangement is provided for mounting and adjusting a sensor, particularly a radar distance sensor, on a motor vehicle. The sensor is accommodated in a sensor housing. The sensor housing is fastened on a holder so as to be tiltable about a degree of freedom. The holder is fastened to the motor vehicle. The sensor housing includes receiving devices in a first lateral edge area and an opposite, second, lateral edge area, in which fastening domes are in each case arranged. The sensor housing is fixed in the first lateral edge area by way of at least two fastening domes and fasteners engaging therein on the holder. The sensor housing is tiltably fixed with respect to the holder in the second lateral edge area by way of at least one fastening dome and a threaded bolt engaging in this fastening dome and the holder. |
| US09276307B2 |
Antennaless wireless device
A radiating system of a wireless device transmits and receives electromagnetic wave signals in a frequency region and comprises an external port, a radiating structure, and a radiofrequency system. The radiating structure includes: a ground plane layer with a connection point; a radiation booster with a connection point and being smaller than 1/30 of a free-space wavelength corresponding to a lowest frequency of the frequency region; and an internal port between the radiation booster connection point and the ground plane layer connection point. The radiofrequency system includes: a first port connected to the radiating structure's internal port; and a second port connected to the external port. An input impedance at radiating structure's disconnected internal port has a non-zero imaginary part across the frequency region. The radiofrequency system modifies impedance of the radiating structure to provide impedance matching to the radiating system within the frequency region at the external port. |
| US09276306B2 |
Automatically deployable communications system
An automatically deployable, portable communications system includes an inflatable antenna stored in a case that also houses the antenna support assembly, drive mechanisms, inflation control modules, power supply modules and a control system. The case also includes a switch configured to close a circuit with the power supply module and initiate deployment and operation of the antenna when the case lid is opened. |
| US09276305B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing a multifunction sensor using mesh nanotube material
A method and apparatus for providing multiple functions using nanotube threads comprising: a first nanotube thread and a second nanotube thread, the first nanotube thread and the second nanotube thread arranged to form a mesh, wherein the first nanotube thread further comprises a measurable invariant property and the second nanotube thread comprises a measurable variant property. |
| US09276304B2 |
Power combiner using tri-plane antennas
A power combining apparatus includes a waveguide structure and a plurality of antenna elements arranged in the waveguide structure, wherein each of the antenna elements comprises a center planar antenna layer, two outer planar antenna layers arranged on opposite sides of the center planar antenna layer, a non-conductive layer between the center planar antenna layer and one of the outer planar antenna layers, and another non-conductive layer between the center planar antenna and the other one of the outer planar antenna layers. The power combining apparatus includes a waveguide structure having an input, an output, and a plurality of antenna elements arranged in the waveguide structure, wherein each antenna element is configured to transform an electric field direction of an electromagnetic field by substantially 90 degrees rotation about a longitudinal axis of the waveguide structure, wherein a bandwidth of the antenna is less than, equal to, or greater than a decade of frequency range. |
| US09276303B2 |
Multi-channel mode converter and rotary joint operating with a series of TE or TM mode electromagnetic wave
A multi-channel mode converter operating with a series of TE or TM mode electromagnetic wave includes a plurality of coaxial waveguides arranged in overlay configuration. By controlling radius ratio and the number of coupling aperture of each coaxial waveguide, high power and high purity of operating mode of electromagnetic wave can be obtained and the major parasitic mode of electromagnetic wave can be suppressed, so as to avoid crosstalk between coaxial waveguides. A rotary joint including the above-mentioned mode converter with multi-channel is also disclosed. |
| US09276298B2 |
Automatically determining alarm threshold settings for monitored battery system components in battery systems, and related components, systems, and methods
Embodiments disclosed include automatically determining alarm threshold settings for monitored battery cells in battery systems. Battery monitoring control units are provided that are configured to initiate battery performance tests (e.g., ohmic tests) on battery cells in a battery system. Failing battery cells are identified as those battery cells having battery performance characteristics outside defined battery performance threshold settings. An initial performance alarm threshold setting is established for each battery cell because of unique performance characteristics that can substantially change during initial charging cycles before the battery cells have settled. A settled performance alarm threshold setting specific to each battery cell is then established based on battery cell performance during the defined settling time period. In this manner, more accurate performance alarm threshold settings are automatically established for monitoring each battery cell based on the individual performance characteristics of each battery cell during the settling time period. |
| US09276293B2 |
Dynamic formation protocol for lithium-ion battery
A dynamic formation protocol for a lithium-ion battery cell. An “SEI formation end voltage” is identified, which is the voltage reached during formation at which the SEI layer is substantially formed. Charge rates are selected for the formation, with a first charge current rate to be used until the SEI formation end voltage is reached, and a second charge current rate, faster than the first charge current rate, to be used thereafter the SEI formation end voltage. These charge rates are applied to the cell for at least a first cycle of the dynamic formation process. |
| US09276288B2 |
Nonaqueous electrolyte rechargeable battery
A nonaqueous electrolyte rechargeable battery includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a nonaqueous electrolyte. The positive electrode and the negative electrode occlude and discharge lithium irons. The nonaqueous electrolyte contains an additive and a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon. The additive includes an organic solvent having a donor number of 18 to 24. A content of the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon is 0% to 2.0% of a total mass of the nonaqueous electrolyte. |
| US09276285B2 |
Shaped fuel source and fuel cell
An example fuel cell assembly may include a shaped fuel source that is formed into a desired shape. The shaped fuel source may have an outer surface, and a fuel cell may be mounted directly on the outer surface of the shaped fuel source. In some instances, the fuel cell assembly may also include one or more of a cathode cap, an anode cap, a refill port, and an outer shell disposed around an exterior of the fuel cell assembly, but these are not required. |
| US09276282B2 |
Aromatic polymer ion exchange membranes, its composite membrane, and its application in acidic electrolyte flow battery
A polymer ion exchange membrane for acidic electrolyte flow battery. The membrane is nitrogen heterocycles aromatic polymer, especially polybenzimidazole type polymer. A nitrogen heterocycles in the membrane interact with acid in the electrolyte to form donor-receptor proton transport network, so as to keep the proton transport performance of the membrane. The preparation condition for the membrane is mild, and the process is simplicity. The preparation method is suitable for mass production. The membrane is used in acidic electrolyte flow battery, especially in vanadium flow energy storage battery. The membrane has excellent mechanical stability and thermostability. In vanadium redox flow battery, the membrane has excellent proton conduct performance and excellent resistance to the permeation of vanadium ions. |
| US09276275B2 |
Fuel cell system
Provided is a fuel cell system capable of preventing a fuel cell from being polarized at a high potential for a long time during start-up. A fuel cell system 1 includes a first injector 23A and a second injector 23B in a fuel gas inlet passage. When an ECU 60 determines that a power generation down time is equal to or more than a predetermined period at start-up of a fuel cell stack 10, a target pressure of hydrogen supplied to an anode passage 12 is set to be higher for supply than when the power generation down time is less than the predetermined period. In addition, as the power generation down time of the fuel cell stack 10 becomes longer, the target pressure is set to be higher. Also, a pressure increase in the fuel cell stack is set to be lower than that during ordinary power generation. |
| US09276273B2 |
Fuel cell water management via reduced anode reactant pressure
A method is provided for operation of a fuel cell with improved water management by maintaining reduced anode pressure relative to cathode pressure, relative to atmospheric pressure, or both. Typically, the fuel cell comprises a membrane electrode assembly comprising nanostructured thin film cathode catalyst. |
| US09276272B2 |
Metal separator for solid oxide regenerative fuel cell coated with conductive spinel oxide film, method for producing the same and solid oxide regenerative fuel cell including the same
Disclosed is a metal separator for a solid oxide regenerative fuel cell coated with a conductive spinel oxide film. In the conductive spinel oxide film, yttrium is added to a manganese-cobalt spinel oxide to suppress growth of an insulating oxide film on the surface of the metal separator and volatilization of metal. In the conductive oxide film coated on the metal separator, yttrium is segregated at the grain boundaries of the spinel so that migration of oxygen through the grain boundaries can be suppressed. Therefore, the surface of the metal separator can be protected from exposure to the atmosphere and water vapor when the solid oxide regenerative fuel cell is operated at high temperature. In addition, poisoning of electrodes by metal volatilization from the surface of the metal separator and growth of an insulating oxide film on the surface of the metal separator can be prevented. Therefore, the stability of the solid oxide regenerative fuel cell stack can be markedly improved. |
| US09276271B2 |
Fuel cell system having a toggle switch
A fuel cell system (10) with a toggle switch (32) between an ON or OFF position is provided. In the OFF position, gas is purged from the fuel cell. The fuel cell (12) may surround the fuel source (14) with the cathode side of the fuel cell facing the fuel source. Additionally, both the fuel cell (12) and the fuel source (14) may have similar form factor to maximize the available space. Preferably the form factor is substantially an oval shape. The fuel cell system may also have a pressure regulator (26). |
| US09276270B2 |
Preparing an alloy catalyst using conductive polymer coating
Techniques herein prepare an alloy catalyst using a protective conductive polymer coating. More particularly, an alloy catalyst is prepared by: preparing a platinum catalyst supported on carbon; coating the surface of the platinum catalyst with a conductive polymer; supporting a transition metal salt on the coated catalyst; and heat treating the catalyst on which the transition metal salt is supported. Also, an alloy catalyst may be prepared by: preparing a platinum-transition metal catalyst supported on carbon; coating the surface of the platinum-transition metal catalyst with a conductive polymer; and heat treating the coated catalyst. Accordingly an alloy catalyst with superior dispersity can be prepared by increasing the degree of alloying of the catalyst through heat treatment while preventing the increase of catalyst particle size through carbonization of the conductive polymer. The prepared catalyst may be useful, for example, for a fuel cell electrode. |
| US09276267B2 |
Low-temperature bonding of refractory ceramic layers
A cathode of a solid-oxide fuel cell includes a first ionic conducting layer, a second layer deposited over the first layer and formed from a mixed ionic and electronic conductor layer including an oxygen ion conducting phase, and a third layer deposited over the second layer and formed from a mixed ionic and electronic conductor layer. A sintering aid and pore formers are added to the second layer and the third layer to establish ionic, electronic, and gas diffusion paths that are contiguous. By adjusting the microstructure of the second and the third layer, a high performance low resistance cathode is formed that bonds well to the electrolyte, is highly electro-catalytic, and has a relatively low overall resistance. By using inexpensive and readily available substances as sintering aid and as pore formers, a low-cost cathode is provided. |
| US09276265B2 |
Lithium-ion cell, lithium-ion rechargeable battery and motor vehicle with a lithium-ion rechargeable battery
A lithium-ion cell includes outgoing conductor foils and collectors. The outgoing conductor foil of a negative electrode of the lithium-ion cell consists of an aluminum foil which is covered on both sides with a metal layer. The collector for the negative electrode has an aluminum workpiece, which is at least partially covered with a metal layer. The metal layers of the outgoing conductor foil and of the collector consist of copper or nickel. |
| US09276264B2 |
Cathode active material for secondary batteries
Disclosed is a cathode active material represented by the following Formula 1, the cathode active material being in the form of a solid solution or a composite, and a secondary battery including the cathode active material. wLi2MO3*xLiM′O2*yLiM″2O4*zLi3PO4 (1) wherein 0 |
| US09276258B2 |
Positive electrode active material for alkaline storage battery, positive electrode for alkaline storage battery, alkaline storage battery, and method for manufacturing positive electrode active material for alkaline storage battery
There are provided a positive electrode active material for an alkaline storage battery, a positive electrode for an alkaline storage battery, and an alkaline storage battery each of which has an excellent output characteristics and also has an excellent self-discharge characteristic and an excellent cycle lifetime characteristic. The positive electrode active material for an alkaline storage battery according to the present invention has nickel hydroxide particles each containing at least magnesium in a solid solution state and a cobalt compound layer coating the surface of each of the nickel hydroxide particles. Among them, the cobalt compound layer contains cobalt having an average valence of not less than 2.6 and not more than 3.0 and also contains sodium at a proportion of less than 0.10 wt % to the total weight of the cobalt compound layer. The positive electrode active material for an alkaline storage battery according to the present invention has a conductivity smaller than 1.0×10−5 S/cm in a state pressurized at 39.2 MPa. |
| US09276253B2 |
Negative electrode with fluorinated acrylate polymer coating layer, and lithium battery
A negative electrode including: a current collector; a negative active material layer formed on the current collector; and a polymer coating layer that is formed on the negative active material layer and comprises a fluorinated acrylate type polymer. |
| US09276245B2 |
Method of forming a film made of a fluoropolymer of the polyvinylidene fluoride type that can be used as a separator for a lithium battery
A film made of a fluorinated polymer of the polyvinylidene fluoride type having suitable properties for use as a lithium storage battery separator is produced using a phase inversion technique in which a solution containing the fluorinated polymer is brought into the presence of an atmosphere laden with water vapor to precipitate the fluorinated polymer. The fluorinated polymer can be precipitated by placing the support on which the solution is deposited, in which the fluorinated polymer has been previously dissolved, in an enclosure containing an atmosphere laden with water vapor and thermostatically regulated to a temperature comprised between 30° C. and 70° C. The relative humidity content during precipitation of the fluorinated polymer is advantageously between about 60% and about 98%. |
| US09276243B2 |
Battery holder and isolation assembly
A battery holder for securing a battery to a vehicle and for mechanically isolating the battery from the vehicle is provided. The battery holder includes a vehicle mounting plate, a battery containment plate, and a number of shock absorbing elements. The battery containment plate includes a number of open-topped cells for retaining leaking battery liquid therein. The shock absorbing elements prevent vibrations and shocks from being transferred from the vehicle to the battery. |
| US09276240B2 |
Laminate battery housing flat electrode assembly and manufacturing method therefor
A laminate battery comprising: a flat electrode assembly having a main face and a side face having a smaller area than the main face; and a laminate casing having a cup portion that is capable of housing therein the electrode assembly. The laminate casing is sealed with the electrode assembly housed in the cup portion and has a reduced pressure interior. The cup portion includes a base portion that covers the main face of the electrode assembly, a side portion that extends along the side face of the electrode assembly, and a bend portion that extends from the base portion beyond the side face of the electrode assembly, forms a bend towards the side face of the electrode assembly, and connects with the side portion. An angle of a vertex of the bend is within a range of 40° to 85° inclusive. |
| US09276237B2 |
Method for producing organic EL element
An object of the present invention is to provide a method for an organic EL element in which the organic EL element can be readily produced by a roll to roll method, in the case where the respective components of the organic EL element are sequentially laminated from a cathode. A method for manufacturing an organic EL element of a preferable embodiment is a method for manufacturing an organic EL element by laminating, on a supporting substrate, a cathode, an electron injection layer, a light-emitting layer and an anode to manufacture an organic EL element by a roll to roll method, the manufacturing method including a step for forming an electron injection layer on the cathode of the supporting substrate on which the cathode has been formed, by applying an ink including an ionic polymer so as to form a film, a step for forming a light-emitting layer on the electron injection layer, and a step for forming an anode on the light-emitting layer. |
| US09276236B1 |
OLED element
The present invention provides an OLED element, a substrate (1), an OLED thin film element (2), being positioned on the substrate (1), an organic package thin film (3), being positioned on the substrate (1) and completely covering the OLED thin film element (2), an inorganic package thin film (4), being positioned on the substrate (1) and completely covering the organic package thin film (3), a protective cover (5) sealing the peripheric edges of the substrate (1) and mantling on the inorganic package thin film (4) and a rigid support plate (6) positioned at a side of the protective cover (5) away from the substrate (1). The OLED element of the present invention possesses the better mechanical property and is hard to be damaged by an external force. Meanwhile, the better airtightness protection can be provided to the OLED thin film element. |
| US09276235B2 |
Organic light emitting display apparatus and method of manufacturing the same
An organic light-emitting display apparatus includes a substrate, an organic light-emitting device on the substrate, and a thin film encapsulation layer including a first inorganic film, a first organic film, and fine particles including silica with platinum particles. The fine particles are dispersed on the first organic film, and the thin film encapsulation layer is on the organic light-emitting device. |
| US09276234B2 |
Method of preparing organic light emitting device
A method of preparing an organic light-emitting device includes forming an organic emission unit on a substrate, and forming a thin film encapsulation layer that contacts an environmental element, and that includes at least one inorganic layer including a low temperature viscosity transition (LVT) inorganic material, wherein the inorganic layer is formed using a process including forming a pre-inorganic layer including the LVT inorganic material by providing the LVT inorganic material onto the organic emission unit on which the environmental element is located, performing a first healing process on the pre-inorganic layer at a temperature greater than a viscosity transition temperature of the LVT inorganic material, and performing a second healing process on the pre-inorganic layer having undergone the first healing process to increase a binding force between the environmental element and the LVT inorganic material, and to increase a binding force among the LVT inorganic material. |
| US09276232B2 |
Display apparatus and method of manufacturing the same
A display apparatus and a method of manufacturing the same. The display apparatus includes a substrate, an encapsulation substrate disposed to face the substrate, a display unit formed between the substrate and the encapsulation substrate and displaying an image, and a sealing unit disposed between the substrate and the encapsulation substrate to bond the substrate and the encapsulation substrate to each other and containing a filler containing Cr, Cu, and Mn and a glass frit mixed with the filler. |
| US09276228B2 |
Light-emitting element
To provide a light-emitting element which uses a fluorescent material as a light-emitting substance and has higher luminous efficiency. To provide a light-emitting element which includes a mixture of a thermally activated delayed fluorescent substance and a fluorescent material. By making the emission spectrum of the thermally activated delayed fluorescent substance overlap with an absorption band on the longest wavelength side in absorption by the fluorescent material in an S1 level of the fluorescent material, energy at an S1 level of the thermally activated delayed fluorescent substance can be transferred to the S1 of the fluorescent material. Alternatively, it is also possible that the S1 of the thermally activated delayed fluorescent substance is generated from part of the energy of a T1 level of the thermally activated delayed fluorescent substance, and is transferred to the S1 of the fluorescent material. |
| US09276225B2 |
Electroluminescent diode device
The present disclosure relates to an electroluminescent diode device, comprising a transparent flexible substrate which is successively disposed with a first protective layer, an anode, a hole transport layer, a UV light emitting layer, a hole blocking layer, an electron transport layer, and a cathode, wherein the UV light emitting layer comprises a UV light emitting material which is at least one selected from the group consisting of fluorenes, triphenylamines, and quinquephenyls. |
| US09276221B2 |
Light-emitting element, light-emitting device, electronic device, and lighting device comprising a phthalocyanine-based material
A light-emitting element that emits light with high luminance and can be driven at low voltage. The light-emitting element includes n (n is a natural number greater than or equal to 2) EL layers between an anode and a cathode, and includes a first layer, a second layer, and a third layer between an m-th (m is a natural number, 1≦m≦n−1) EL layer from the anode and an (m+1)th EL layer. The first layer functions as a charge-generation region, has hole-transport properties, and contains an acceptor substance. The third layer has electron-transport properties and contains an alkali metal or the like. The second layer is formed of a phthalocyanine-based material and is provided between the first layer and the third layer, whereby an injection barrier at the time of injecting electrons generated in the first layer into the m-th EL layer through the third layer can be lowered. |
| US09276219B2 |
Material for organic electroluminescence device and organic electroluminescence device including the same
A compound for an organic electroluminescence (EL) device is represented by the following Formula (1): In Formula (1), Ar1 and Ar2 are independently a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group, or a substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl group, and L is a single bond, a substituted or unsubstituted arylene group, or a substituted or unsubstituted heteroarylene group. |
| US09276212B2 |
Method of cutting flexible display device and method of fabricating flexible display device using the same
The present disclosure relates to a method of cutting a flexible display device, capable of preventing a generation of a defect at the time of cutting the flexible display device, the method including providing a glass mother substrate having a flexible substrate attached thereon and an insulating layer formed on the flexible substrate; melting the flexible substrate and the insulating layer on the mother substrate by irradiating with a first laser beam; and cutting the mother substrate exposed by the irradiation of the first laser beam using a cutting device. |
| US09276207B2 |
Method, system, and device for heating a phase change memory cell
A memory device, comprising: a phase change material; and an electrode configured to heat the phase change material to change a state of the phase change material, the electrode comprising a material having a positive temperature coefficient of resistance, wherein the electrode has a narrow wall-type shape comprising a broad vertical face and a narrow vertical edge that is narrower than the broad vertical face. |
| US09276206B2 |
Scalable and reliable non-volatile memory cell
Devices and methods for forming a device are disclosed. The method includes providing a substrate and forming a memory cell pair on the substrate. Each of a memory cell of the memory cell pair includes at least one transistor having first and second gates formed between first and second terminals and a third gate disposed over the second terminal. The first gate serves as an access gate (AG), the second gate serves as a storage gate and the third gate serves as an erase gate (EG). The first cell terminal serves as a bitline terminal and the second cell terminal serves as a source line terminal. The source line terminal is a raised source line terminal and is elevated with respect to the bit line terminal and the source line terminal is common to the memory cell pair. |
| US09276205B2 |
Storage device
According to one embodiment, a storage device includes first electrodes, second electrodes, a resistance change layer provided between the first electrodes and the second electrodes, and ion metal particles that are formed in an island form between the first electrodes and the resistance change layer and that contain a metal movable inside the resistance change layer. The first electrodes and the second electrodes are formed of a material which is more unlikely to be ionized as compared to the metal, and the first electrodes are in contact with the resistance change layer in an area around the ion metal particles. |
| US09276204B2 |
Memristor with channel region in thermal equilibrium with containing region
A memristor with a channel region in thermal equilibrium with a containing region. The channel region has a variable concentration of mobile ions. The containing region, formed of stoichiometric crystalline material, contains and is in thermal equilibrium with the channel region. |
| US09276203B2 |
Resistive switching layers including Hf-Al-O
Provided are resistive random access memory (ReRAM) cells having switching layers that include hafnium, aluminum, oxygen, and nitrogen. The composition of such layers is designed to achieve desirable performance characteristics, such as low current leakage as well as low and consistent switching currents. In some embodiments, the concentration of nitrogen in a switching layer is between about 1 and 20 atomic percent or, more specifically, between about 2 and 5 atomic percent. Addition of nitrogen helps to control concentration and distribution of defects in the switching layer. Also, nitrogen as well as a combination of two metals helps with maintaining this layer in an amorphous state. Excessive amounts of nitrogen reduce defects in the layer such that switching characteristics may be completely lost. The switching layer may be deposited using various techniques, such as sputtering or atomic layer deposition (ALD). |
| US09276194B2 |
Bonding method for bonding metal plate and piezoelectric body
A bonding method that provides excellent conductivity and bonding between a piezoelectric body and a metal plate includes a metal plate and an electrode of a piezoelectric body bonded to one another with an electrically conductive adhesive so as to provide electrical conductivity, the electrically conductive adhesive includes carbon black with a nano-level average particle size, and has a paste form included in a solventless or solvent-based resin so that the carbon black forms an aggregate with an average particle size of about 1 μm to about 50 μm. The electrically conductive adhesive is applied between the metal plate and the electrode of the piezoelectric body, and the metal plate and the piezoelectric body are subjected to heating and pressurization so that the carbon black aggregate is deformed, thereby hardening the electrically conductive adhesive. |
| US09276191B2 |
Piezoelectric device
A piezoelectric device is provided with a sound source IC, an amplifier for amplifying a sound source from the sound source IC, a piezoelectric speaker for generating sound based on a drive signal from amplifier, an MPU for performing a predetermined control process on the drive signal, a memory for storing temperature dependency information about the piezoelectric constant (d14) and Young's modulus E of the piezoelectric speaker, and a temperature sensor for detecting an ambient temperature. MPU has correcting unit, compares a detected result of the temperature sensor with the temperature dependency information, and performs temperature correction on the drive signal serving as an acoustic signal based on a compared result. The piezoelectric speaker outputs the acoustic signal temperature-corrected by correcting unit. Thus, it becomes possible to realize various piezoelectric devices, such as a piezoelectric speaker system, capable of preventing various input information from fluctuating even when there is a change in usage environmental temperature. |
| US09276189B2 |
Thermoelectric material and method for generating electricity
A thermoelectric material has a Heusler alloy type crystal structure and is based on an Fe2VAl basic structure having a total number of valence electrons of 24 per chemical formula. The thermoelectric material has a structure expressed by General Formula Fe2V1−ZAl1+Z, where 0.03≦z≦0.12, or General Formula Fe2V1−ZAl1+Z, where −0.12≦z≦−0.03, by controlling its chemical compositional ratio. The former acts as a p-type material and has a Seebeck coefficient whose absolute value reaches a peak at a temperature of 400 K or higher; and the latter acts as an n-type material and has a Seebeck coefficient whose absolute value reaches a peak at a temperature of 310 K or higher. |
| US09276185B2 |
Light-emitting element mounting package having protruded wiring and recessed wiring, and light-emitting element package
A light-emitting element mounting package including a first wiring forming a first light-emitting element mounting portion, which is provided on one surface of a substrate to mount a light-emitting element, and a first through wiring having one end and another end, the one end being electrically connected to the first light-emitting element mounting portion so as to be thermally transferable, and the other end protruding from another surface of the substrate. |
| US09276184B2 |
LED module
An LED module A1 includes an LED chip 1, a lead group 4 including a lead 4A on which the LED chip 1 is mounted and a lead 4B spaced apart from the lead 4A, a resin package 2 covering part of the lead group 4, and mounting terminals 41 and 42 provided by part of the lead group 4 that is exposed from the resin package 2 and spaced apart from each other in direction x. The LED module further includes a mounting terminal 43 spaced apart from the mounting terminal 41 in direction y, and a mounting terminal 44 spaced apart from the mounting terminal 42 in direction y. This arrangement allows the LED module A1 to be mounted at a correct position on a circuit board. |
| US09276180B2 |
Method for manufacturing light emitting device and light emitting device
A manufacturing method of a light emitting device includes a light emitting element disposed over a substrate and a reflective resin disposed along the side surface of the light emitting element. The method includes disposing light emitting elements in a matrix over an aggregate substrate, and disposing a semiconductor element between the adjacent light emitting elements in one direction of column and row directions of the light emitting elements in the matrix. A reflective resin is disposed to cover the semiconductor elements along the side surfaces of the light emitting elements and the side surfaces of the phosphor layers. The reflective resin and the substrate disposed in between the adjacent light emitting elements is cut in the column or row direction and between the light emitting element and the adjacent semiconductor element in the other direction, to include a light emitting element or a semiconductor element. |
| US09276174B2 |
Semiconductor light emitting device and fabrication method of the semiconductor light emitting device
A semiconductor light emitting device which can control of current density and can optimize current density and in which a rise in luminosity is possible, and a fabrication method of the semiconductor light emitting device are provided. The semiconductor light emitting device including: a semiconductor substrate structure including a semiconductor substrate, a first metal layer placed on a first surface of the semiconductor substrate, and a second metal layer placed on a second surface of the semiconductor substrate; and a light emitting diode structure including a third metal layer placed on the semiconductor substrate structure, a current control layer placed on the third metal layer and composed of a transparent insulating film and a current control electrode, an epitaxial growth layer placed on the current control layer, and a surface electrode placed on the epitaxial growth layer, wherein the semiconductor substrate structure and the light emitting diode structure are bonded by using the first metal layer and the third metal layer. |
| US09276170B2 |
Semiconductor light emitting element and method of manufacturing semiconductor light emitting element
A semiconductor light emitting element includes a laminated semiconductor layer including a light emitting layer that emits light by passing a current, the laminated semiconductor layer has a lower semiconductor bottom surface, a semiconductor side surface that rises from an edge of the lower semiconductor bottom surface upwardly and outwardly of the laminated semiconductor layer, and a lower semiconductor top surface that faces upward by extending inwardly of the laminated semiconductor layer from an upper edge of the semiconductor side surface, an edge of the lower semiconductor top surface includes first and second linear portions extending linearly and plural connecting portions connecting the first and second linear portions, and, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the lower semiconductor top surface, each connecting portion is positioned inside a point of intersection of extended lines of the first and second linear portions connected to the connecting portion. |
| US09276167B2 |
Light-emitting diode chip and method for producing the same
A light-emitting diode chip is specified, comprising an n-conducting region (1), a p-conducting region (2), an active region (3) between the n-conducting region (1) and the p-conducting region (2), a mirror layer (4) at that side of the p-conducting region (2) which is remote from the active region (3), and an insulation layer (5) formed with an electrically insulating material, wherein the mirror layer (4) is designed for reflecting electromagnetic radiation generated in the active region (3), and the mirror layer (4) has a perforation (41), wherein a side area (4a) of the mirror layer (4) is completely covered by the insulation layer (5) in the region of the perforation (41). |
| US09276163B2 |
Method for manufacturing silicon-based solar cell
Disclosed is a method for manufacturing a crystalline silicon-based photoelectric conversion device having a first intrinsic silicon-based layer, a p-type silicon-based layer and a first transparent electroconductive layer, positioned in this order on one surface of a conductive single-crystal silicon substrate, and having a second intrinsic silicon-based layer, an n-type silicon-based layer and a second transparent electroconductive layer, positioned in this order on the other surface of the conductive single-crystal silicon substrate. In the present invention, a heat treatment is carried out after at least one of the transparent electroconductive layers is formed. This heat treatment is carried out at a temperature of less than 200° C. under a hydrogen-containing atmosphere. |
| US09276162B2 |
Semiconductor photodetector and method for manufacturing the same
In order to improve reliability by preventing an edge breakdown in a semiconductor photodetector having a mesa structure such as a mesa APD, the semiconductor photodetector comprises a mesa structure formed on a first semiconductor layer of the first conduction type formed on a semiconductor substrate, the mesa structure including a light absorbing layer for absorbing light, an electric field buffer layer for dropping an electric field intensity, an avalanche multiplication layer for causing avalanche multiplication to occur, and a second semiconductor layer of the second conduction type, wherein the thickness of the avalanche multiplication layer at the portion in the vicinity of the side face of the mesa structure is made thinner than the thickness at the central portion of the mesa structure. |
| US09276160B2 |
Power semiconductor device formed from a vertical thyristor epitaxial layer structure
A semiconductor device suitable for power applications includes a thyristor epitaxial layer structure defining an anode region offset vertically from a cathode region with a plurality of intermediate regions therebetween. An anode electrode is electrically coupled to the anode region. A cathode electrode is electrically coupled to the cathode region. A switchable current path that extends vertically between the anode region and the cathode region has a conducting state and a non-conducting state. An epitaxial resistive region is electrically coupled to and extends laterally from one of the plurality of intermediate regions. An FET is provided having a channel that is electrically coupled to the epitaxial resistive region. The FET can be configured to inject (or remove) electrical carriers into (or from) the one intermediate region via the epitaxial resistive region in order to switch the switchable current path between its non-conducting state and its conducting state. |
| US09276155B2 |
Solar cell having dielectric back reflective coating and method for the production thereof
In a method for producing a solar cell, a layer stack of dielectric layers is applied to a back of a solar cell substrate and the layer stack is heated and is held at temperatures of at least 700° C. during a time period of at least 5 minutes. The novel solar cell has a layer stack of dielectric layers on its back. At least one of the dielectric layers of the layer stack is densified so that its resistivity to firing-through of pastes with glass components is enhanced. |
| US09276154B2 |
Photovoltaic device with protective layer over a window layer and method of manufacture of the same
A photovoltaic device including a protective layer between a window layer and an absorber layer, the protective layer inhibiting dissolving/intermixing of the window layer into the absorber layer during a device activation step, and methods of forming such photovoltaic devices. |
| US09276150B2 |
Sheet for a photovoltaic cell
A sheet for a photovoltaic cell is provided. The sheet for a photovoltaic cell has excellent heat resistance, lightfastness, weather resistance, moisture resistance and insulating properties, and may improve light condensing efficiency when applied to a photovoltaic module. |
| US09276149B2 |
Thin film solar cell module including series-connected cells formed on a flexible substrate by using lithography
Solar thin film modules are provided with reduced lateral dimensions of isolation trenches and contact trenches, which provide for a series connection of the individual solar cells. To this end lithography and etch techniques are applied to pattern the individual material layers, thereby reducing parasitic shunt leakages compared to conventional laser scribing techniques. In particular, there may be series connected solar cells formed on a flexible substrate material that are highly efficient in indoor applications. |
| US09276148B2 |
Thermally efficient power conversion modules for space solar power
A space solar power system that has sun-tracking curved reflectors, such as off-axis parabolic reflectors, a secondary reflector, and a power conversion module for converting the sunlight into microwave energy and transmit the energy to remote locations. The power conversion module can have a modular stepped conical shape, with additional radiator area configured in vertical sidewalls, horizontal radiator panels, or both. Hinged, fold-out units can house the microwave conversion electronics and the antenna for transmitting the microwave radiation to the remote ground station. |
| US09276145B2 |
Array-type light-receiving device
An array-type light-receiving device includes a semiconductor substrate having a cleavage direction; a light-receiving surface disposed on the semiconductor substrate; and a plurality of pixels two-dimensionally arranged on the light-receiving surface in a first array direction and a second array direction, each of the pixels including a staked semiconductor layer including an optical absorption layer. The first and second array directions are tilted relative to the cleavage direction of the semiconductor substrate at a predetermined angle α, as viewed from above the light-receiving surface. In addition, the first and second array directions and the cleavage direction extend along the light-receiving surface. |
| US09276142B2 |
Methods for forming a transparent oxide layer for a photovoltaic device
A method of manufacturing a transparent oxide layer is provided. The manufacturing method includes disposing a cadmium tin oxide layer on a support, placing the support with the cadmium tin oxide layer within a chamber of a rapid thermal annealing system, and rapidly thermally annealing the cadmium tin oxide layer by exposing the cadmium tin oxide layer to electromagnetic radiation to form the transparent oxide layer, wherein the rapid thermal anneal is performed without first pumping down the chamber. |
| US09276135B2 |
Junction field effect transistor with vertical PN junction
An embodiment relates to a JFET with a channel region and a gate region forming a pn junction. Between a source region and a drain region in a semiconductor portion, the pn junction extends along a vertical direction perpendicular to a first surface of the semiconductor portion. The source, channel and drain regions have a first conductivity type and are arranged along the vertical direction. The gate region and a shielding region between the gate and drain regions have a second, complementary conductivity type. An auxiliary region separates the gate and shielding regions in the semiconductor portion. |
| US09276132B2 |
Nonvolatile memory device and method for fabricating the same
A nonvolatile memory device includes an insulating pattern extending in a first direction, a conductive pattern on the insulating pattern, and an electrode structure extending in the first direction. The electrode structure is adjacent the insulating pattern and conductive pattern, and includes an alternating pattern of gate electrodes and interlayer insulating films. A protection film adjacent a side surface of the electrode structure has a shorter length in the first direction than a length of the electrode structure. |
| US09276131B2 |
Stress release structures for metal electrodes of semiconductor devices
This invention teaches stress release metal electrodes for gate, drain and source in a field effect transistor and stress release metal electrodes for emitter, base and collector in a bipolar transistor. Due to the large difference in the thermal expansion coefficients between semiconductor materials and metal electrodes, significant strain and stresses can be induced in the devices during the fabrication and operation. The present invention provides metal electrode with stress release structures to reduce the strain and stresses in these devices. |